tihvavy  of  Che  t:heolo0ical  <^etnmar^ 

PRINCETON  •  NEW  JERSEY 


FROM  THE  LIBRARY  OF  THE 
REVEREND  JESSE  HALSEY,  D.D, 

BV  245  .P68  1918 

Porter,  David  Richard,  1882- 

The  enrichment  of  prayer 


^ 


"^1^ 


THE  ENRICHMENT  OF  PRAYER 


THE  ENRIGHMENT_X)F 
PRAYER 


Compiled^y 

DAVID  R.  PORTER 


ASSOCIATION   PRESS 

New  York:      124  East  28th  Street 
1918 


Copyright,    1918,    by 

The   International    Committee   ct 

YouNC  Men's  Christian  Associations 


CONTENTS 

I.  The  Enrichment  of  Prayer 1 

II.  Encouragements  to  Prayer 11 

III.  Suggestions  About  How  to  Pray.  .  25 

IV.  Prayers  for  Use  in  the  Morning.  .  37 
V.  Prayers  for  Use  in  the  Evening.  .  49 

VI.  For  Our  Special  Needs 57 

VII.  Prayers  for  Others  and  Thanks- 
givings   95 

VIII.  For  Special  Occasions,  Including 

Times    of   War 123 

IX.  Special  Services  of  Prayer 149 

X.  Meditations  for  a  Week 165 

XL  Books  of  Devotion 185 

XII.  Prayers  in  Verse 189 


THE  ENRICHMENT  OF  PRAYER 


I 

THE  ENRICHMENT  OF  PRAYER 

I 

It  is  hoped  that  this  collection  of  prayers  and 
meditations  may  be  of  help  to  those  who  want 
to  learn  to  pray.  We  have  to  learn  to  pray. 
In  the  heart  of  the  youngest  there  is  an  instinct 
of  prayer — a  longing  for  God  and  a  reaching  out 
of  our  nature  to  God.  Prayer  is  as  much  of  an 
instinct  as  breathing.  It  is  breathing:  the  vital, 
sustaining  breath  of  the  soul.  It  is  of  little 
value,  therefore,  to  argue  with  a  man  that  he 
ought  to  pray.  All  men  do  pray,  or  at  least  did 
so  in  youth  before  they  stifled  their  natural  de- 
sire for  fellowship  with  God.  But  much  of  this 
kind  of  prayer  is  crude  and  uninformed.  There 
is  an  infinite  difference  between  this  and  Chris- 
tian prayer,  as  revealed  to  us  in  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  It  is  well  to  remember  that  He  who 
knew  more  about  prayer  than  anyone  did  not 
argue  about  prayer;  He  prayed.  When  the  dis- 
ciples saw  Jesus  pray,  they  recalled  their  own 
wandering,  superficial,  selfish,  resultless  prayers 
and  they  came  to  Him  in  private  with  the  earnest 
request,  "Lord,  teach  us  to  pray." 

3 


THE    ENRICHMENT    OF     PRAYER 


II 


One  of  the  most  helpful  devotional  Looks  is 
called  "With  Christ  in  the  School  of  Prayer." 
This  title  is  suggestive.  It  suggests  that  if  we 
make  earnest  with  our  prayer  life — as  we  should 
with  the  most  serious  work  in  the  world — we 
must  take  more  than  one  lesson  in  prayer.  It 
should  be  a  daily  and  sustained  exercise.  Do  we 
not  all  continually  need  fresh  and  enriching 
lessons?  Who  of  us  is  not  ashamed  of  the  ir- 
regularity and  poverty  of  his  prayer  life? 

This  title  suggests  also  that  Christ  is  the  great 
teacher  of  prayer.  We  can  have  no  more  profit- 
able task  than  making  a  careful  study  in  the 
gospels  of  His  teaching  and  practice  in  prayer. 
If  He  could  not  live  His  life  and  do  His  work 
without  constant  and  unreserved  prayer,  how 
foolish  of  us  to  attempt  it.  He  needed  prayer 
less  than  anyone  who  has  ever  lived,  but  He  knew 
such  deep  experiences  with  God  that  He  is  our 
best  example  and  teacher.  There  are  many 
other  ways  in  which  we  may  learn  to  pray  bet- 
ter: by  reading  devotional  books,  by  personal 
Bible  study,  and  most  of  all  simply  by  praying. 
But  the  association  with  those  who  have  learned 


THE    ENRICHMENT    OF     PRAYER 

how  to  pray  will  teach  us  more  than  anything 
else. 

Ill 

In  this  way  this  book  may  help.  We  may 
associate  not  only  with  those  who  are  now  liv- 
ing but,  in  a  sense,  with  those  in  all  the  cen- 
turies past  who  in  their  turn  have  been  with 
Christ  in  the  school  of  prayer.  We  can  profit 
by  their  experience  and  enjoy  the  rich  treasures 
of  spiritual  lives.  In  those  churches  where  writ- 
ten prayers  are  not  regularly  used,  we  are  likely 
to  miss  the  contribution  to  our  prayer  life  which 
such  communion  with  the  saints  so  abundantly 
affords.  It  is  a  misfortune  if  the  fear  of  for- 
malism is  so  strong  that  one  refuses  to  make  any 
use  of  such  prayers.  For  those  of  us  who  are 
young  in  Christian  experience  there  is  special 
helpfulness  in  a  limited  and  studied  use  of  some 
of  these  gems  of  devotional  literature.  For  our 
chief  difficulty  is  not  in  our  longings  for  God's 
power,  guidance,  and  companionship — how  real 
these  are  only  youth  knows — but  rather  in  our 
inability  to  express  ourselves  in  fitting  and  ade- 
quate words.  We  are  quite  capable  of  under- 
standing deep  truths  when  they  are  clearly  for- 
mulated by  others,  even  though  we  are  not  yet 

5 


THE      ENRICHMENT      OF       PRAYER 

able  to  formulate  for  ourselves  statements  at 
all  adequate  to  our  visions  and  convictions.  So 
we  sometimes  gain  measureless  profit  from  the 
heartfelt  use  of  some  simple  prayer,  which  may 
be  the  gathering-up  in  a  few  sincere  sentences 
of  a  whole  lifetime  of  precious  personal  fellow- 
ship with  Christ.  In  no  way,  of  course,  will 
these  prayers  take  the  place  of  daily,  personal, 
private  prayer.  "They  may  be  used  when  the 
heart  is  full  but  wordless.  They  may  suggest 
thoughts  of  prayer  in  the  busy  and  distracting 
hours  of  the  day." 

It  will  be  noted  that  without  any  attempt  to 
make  a  historical  list  of  prayers,  those  here  giv- 
en have  been  written  by  men  of  many  centuries 
and  of  many  diverse  creeds.  The  sources  given 
are  at  once,  therefore,  an  acknowledgment  of  in- 
debtedness and  an  evidence  of  that  real  unity 
which  characterizes  those,  of  whatever  age  and 
creed,  who  have  seen  "the  light  of  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  glory  of  God  in  the  face  of  Jesus 
Christ." 

In  most  cases  where  no  authorship  is  indi- 
cated, it  has  not  been  possible  to  locate  the  origi- 
nal source  of  the  prayer.  Many  of  the  choicest 
selections,  like  ancient  palimpsests,  show  rever- 
ent changes  made  by  earnest  souls  in  many  ages. 

6 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 


IV 


It  may  be  useful  to  suggest  a  few  counsels 
which  come  to  us  as  the  almost  universal  experi- 
ence of  those  who  have  made  real  headway  in 
learning  to  pray. 

1.  No  time  of  day  is  so  conducive  to  profit- 
able prayer  as  the  morning.  It  is  unfortunate 
that  so  many  pray  only  once  a  day  and  then 
at  night.  In  the  morning  our  minds  are  re- 
freshed from  sleep  and  undisturbed  as  yet  by  the 
cares  and  work  of  the  day.  Then  we  need  God's 
help  most  as  we  go  out  to  mingle  with  others 
in  the  day's  work.  An  interesting  movement 
is  developing  among  Christian  college  students, 
namely,  the  keeping  of  the  Morning  Watch.  By 
this  is  meant  the  giving  of  half  an  hour  as 
early  in  the  day  as  possible  to  Bible  reading, 
meditation,  and  prayer.  Will  you  not  enlist  in 
this  movement.^ 

2.  To  avoid  the  disturbances  of  a  busy  day 
some  find  it  best,  whenever  possible,  to  spend 
their  Morning  Watch  before  dressing.  If  they 
wait  until  they  bathe  and  dress,  it  is  much  hard- 
er to  keep  their  quiet  time  uninterrupted. 

*See   "The  Morning  Watch"  by  John   R.   Mott,   Association   Press, 
five    cents. 


THE      ENRICHMENT      OF       PRAYER 

3.  Prepare  for  the  Morning  Watch  the  night 
before.  This  will  mean  in  many  cases  resolute 
adherence  to  a  rule  of  early  retiring.  It  will 
also  mean  before  sleep  comes  putting  one's 
mind  in  an  attitude  of  calmness  and  receptivity 
to  heavenly  impressions.  In  a  striking  phrase, 
the  truth  of  which  both  experience  and  modern 
psychology  attest,  the  Psalmist,  according  to 
the  Revised  Version,  says,  "He  giveth  unto  His 
beloved  in  sleep." 

"Then  comes  the  Spirit  to  our  hut 
When  fast  the  senses'  doors  are  shut. 
For  so  divine  and  pure  a  guest 
The  emptiest  rooms  are  furnished  best." 

4.  Make  the  regular  periods  of  prayer 
vital  and  real  at  all  costs.  This  will  re- 
quire practice  in  concentration  and  the  observ- 
ance of  those  conditions,  physical  and  mental, 
which  help  us  to  guard  against  wandering 
thoughts.  A  change  in  posture  will  sometimes 
help.  In  kneeling  with  closed  eyes  we  assume 
our  natural  position  of  humility  and  worship  be- 
fore God.  "The  world  is  shut  out,  in  order  that 
God  may  be  supreme  and  that  we  may  see  no 
man  save  Jesus  only."    But  the  one  all-important 

8 


THE      ENRICHMENT      OF       PRAYER 

thing  is  our  communion  with  God,  and  some- 
times standing  or  walking  may  be  of  greater 
help  to  us.  Sometimes  it  is  well  to  pray  aloud 
or  to  write  out  our  prayers.  We  should  guard 
this  point  and  never  become  for  a  single  day 
content  with  wasted  moments  or  mere  repetition 
of  words  during  our  times  of  prayer.  "Saying 
prayers"  is  a  habit  to  be  early  abandoned  for 
more  satisfying  fellowship  with  a  loving  God. 

5.  Learn  new  aspects  of  prayer  in  common 
worship.  There  are  untold  messages  for  us  in 
united  prayer  and  even  in  united  silence.  Strive 
to  use  the  Holy  Communion,  or  Lord's  Supper, 
as  a  real  "means  of  grace." 

6.  Never  give  up  if  reality  is  hard  to  seek 
and  you  come  upon  "barren  times."  Like  all 
things  worth  while,  prayer  costs. 

7.  Allow  no  rush  of  work  or  of  pleas- 
ure to  crowd  out  time  for  prayer.  Luther  once 
said,  "I  have  much  work  to  do  today,  so  I  will 
arise  an  hour  earlier  in  order  to  have  time  for 
quiet  prayer."  Those  who  make  a  rule  of  the 
Morning  Watch  should  resolve  never  to  allow 
a  single  exception.  When  away  on  vacations,  or 
sleeping  in  the  same  room  with  others,  on  camp- 
ing parties  when  we  sleep  under  the  stars,  or 

9 


THE      ENRICHMENT      OF     PRAYER 

out  in  the  thick  of  life's  work,  cling  unshakably 
to  the  regular  observance  of  this  life-giving 
habit. 


Lord,  Teach  Us  to  Pray 

OUR  Father,  Which  art  in  Heaven,  Hallowed 
be  Thy  name. 
Thy  Kingdom  come.    Thy  will  be  done  in  earth, 

as  it  is  in  heaven. 
Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread.     And  forgive 

us  our  debts,  as  we  forgive  our  debtors. 
And  lead  us  not  into  temptation,  but  deliver  us 

from  evil: 
For  Thine  is  the  kingdom,  and  the  power,  and 

the  glory,  forever.     Amen. 


10 


ENCOURAGEMENTS  TO  PRAYER 


II 

ENCOURAGEMENTS  TO  PRAYER 

WHY  say  est  thou,  0  Jacob,  and  speakest,  0 
Israel,  My  way  is  hid  from  Jehovah,  and 
the  justice  due  to  me  is  passed  away  from  my 
God?  Hast  thou  not  known?  hast  thou  not 
heard?  The  everlasting  God,  Jehovah,  the  Cre- 
ator of  the  ends  of  the  earth,  fainteth  not,  neither 
is  weary;  there  is  no  searching  of  his  under- 
standing. He  giveth  power  to  the  faint;  and  to 
him  that  hath  no  might  he  increaseth  strength. 
Even  the  youths  shall  faint  and  be  weary,  and 
the  young  men  shall  utterly  fall:  but  they  that 
wait  for  Jehovah  shall  renew  their  strength; 
they  shall  mount  up  with  wings  as  eagles;  they 
shall  run,  and  not  be  weary;  they  shall  walk,  and 
not  faint. — Isaiah  40:27-31. 

nr^O  pray  in  all  places  where  quietness  invit- 
-*-  eth;  in  any  house,  highway,  or  street;  and 
to  know  no  street  in  this  city  that  may  not  wit- 
ness that  I  have  not  forgotten  God  and  my 
Saviour  in  it;  and  that  no  parish  or  town  where 
I  have  been  may  not  say  the  like.  To  take  occa- 
sion of  praying  upon  the  sight  of  any  church 
which  I  see,  or  pass  by,  as  I  ride  about.     To 

13 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

pray  daily,  and  particularly  for  my  sick  patients, 
and  for  all  sick  people  under  whose  care  soever. 
And  at  the  entrance  into  the  house  of  the  sick 
to  say,  "The  peace  and  the  mercy  of  God  be  upon 
this  house."  After  a  sermon  to  make  a  prayer 
and  desire  a  blessing,  and  to  pray  for  the  min- 
ister.— Sir  Thomas  Browne,  1605-1682. 

LORD,  what  a  change  within  us  one  short  hour 
Spent  in  Thy  presence  will  avail  to  make! 
What  heavy  burdens  from  our  bosoms  take; 
What  parched  grounds  refresh,  as  with  a  shower ! 

We  kneel,  and  all  around  us  seems  to  lower; 
We  rise,  and  all  the  distant  and  the  near 
Stands  forth  in  sunny  outline,  brave  and  clear. 

We  kneel,  how  weak !  we  rise,  how  full  of  power ! 

Why,   therefore,    should   we   do    ourselves   this 

wrong, 
Or  others,  that  we  are  not  always  strong ; 

That  we  are  ever  overborne  with  care; 

That  we  should  ever  weak  or  heartless  be. 
Anxious  or  troubled,  when  with  us  is  prayer. 
And  joy  and  strength  and  courage  are  with 
Thee? 
Archbishop  R.  C,  Trench,  1807-1886„ 

14 


ENCOURAGEMENTS    TO     PRAYER 

NO  soul  can  preserve  the  bloom  and  delicacy 
of  its  existence  without  lonely  musing  and 
silent  prayer:  and  the  greatness  of  this  necessity 
is  in  proportion  to  the  greatness  of  the  soul. 
There  were  many  times  during  our  Lord's  min- 
istry when,  even  from  the  loneliness  of  desert 
places,  He  dismissed  His  most  faithful  and  most 
beloved,  that  He  might  be  yet  more  alone. — Dean 
F.  W.  Farrar,  1831-1903. 

PRIVATE  prayer,  when  it  is  real  action,  is 
the  greatest  forge  of  personality.  It  places 
a  man  in  direct  and  effective  contact  with  God, 
the  Creator,  the  source  of  originality,  and  espe- 
cially with  God,  the  Redeemer,  as  the  source  of 
our  new  creation.  .  .  . 

Prayer  is  for  the  religious  life  what  original 
research  is  for  science — by  it  we  get  direct 
contact  with  reality. — P.  J.  Forsyth. 

RUBINSTEIN,  the  great  musical  composer, 
once  said:  "If  I  do  not  practice  for  a  day 
I  know  it;  if  I  miss  two  days  my  friends  know 
it;  and  if  I  miss  three  days  the  public  knows  it." 
May  not  the  same  be  said  of  the  practice  of  the 
presence  of  God  and  the  practice  of  the  service 

15 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

of  man?  May  not  the  lack  of  harmony  in  one's 
relation  to  the  Infinite  and  the  false  notes  struck 
in  one's  relation  to  men  be  explained  by  the 
neglect  of  daily  devotions  and  service? — Robert 
P.  Wilder. 

IF  the  chosen  soul  could  never  be  alone 
In  deep  mid-silence,  open-doored  to  God, 
No  greatness  ever  had  been  dreamed  or  done; 
The  nurse  of  full-grown  souls  is  solitude. 

James  R.  Lowell,  1819-1891. 

MORE  things  are  wrought  by  prayer 
Than  this  world  dreams  of.     Wherefore 
let  thy  voice 
Rise  like  a  fountain  for  me  night  and  day. 
For  what  are  men  better  than  sheep  or  goats 
That  nourish  a  blind  life  within  the  brain, 
If,  knowing  God,  they  lift  not  hands  of  prayer 
Both  for  themselves  and  those  who  call  them 

friend? 
For  so  the  whole  round  earth  is  every  way 
Bound  by  gold  chains  about  the  feet  of  God. 
Alfred,  Lord  Tennyson,  1809-1892. 


16 


ENCOURAGEMENTS     TO     PRAYER 

TT^OR  from  of  old  men  have  not  heard,  nor 
-■-  perceived  by  the  ear,  neither  hath  the  eye 
seen  a  God  besides  thee,  who  worketh  for  him 
that  waiteth  for  him.  Thou  meetest  him  that 
rejoiceth  and  worketh  righteousness,  those  that 
remember  thee  in  thy  ways:  behold,  thou  wast 
wroth,  and  we  sinned:  in  them  have  we  been  of 
long  time;  and  shall  we  be  saved?  For  we  are 
all  become  as  one  that  is  unclean,  and  all  our 
righteousnesses  are  as  a  polluted  garment:  and 
we  all  do  fade  as  a  leaf;  and  our  iniquities,  like 
the  wind,  take  us  away.  And  there  is  none  that 
calleth  upon  thy  name,  that  stirreth  up  himself 
to  take  hold  of  thee;  for  thou  hast  hid  thy  face 
from  us,  and  hast  consumed  us  by  means  of  our 
iniquities.  But  now,  0  Jehovah,  thou  art  our 
Father;  we  are  the  clay,  and  thou  our  potter;  and 
we  all  are  the  work  of  thy  hand — Isaiah  64:4-8. 

TT^OR  there  is  nothing  that  makes  us  love  a 
-*-  man  so  much  as  praying  for  him;  and  when 
you  can  once  do  this  sincerely  for  any  man,  you 
have  fitted  your  soul  for  the  performance  of 
everything  that  is  kind  and  civil  toward  him. 
This  will  fill  your  heart  with  a  generosity  and 
tenderness  that  will  give  you  a  better  and  sweet- 

17 


THE      ENRICHMENT      OF     PRAYER 

er  behavior  than  anything  that  is  called  fine 
breeding  and  good  manners. — William  Law, 
1686-1761. 

BERNARD  .  .  .  considering  the  great  pa- 
tience of  St.  Francis  .  .  .  invited  him  to 
his  house  and  had  a  bed  prepared  for  him  in  his 
room.  Francis,  believing  that  Bernard  was 
asleep,  rose  from  his  bed  and  betook  himself  to 
prayer,  raising  his  hands  to  heaven  with  the 
greatest  fervor  of  devotion,  and  saying,  "My 
God,  my  God!"  and  so,  shedding  many  tears,  he 
remained  till  morning,  continually  repeating 
"My  God,  my  God!"  and  nothing  more.  Ber- 
nard, seeing  the  devout  acts  of  Francis  .  .  .  was 
touched  and  inspired  by  the  Holy  Ghost  to 
change  his  life. — "Little  Floivers  of  St.  Francis" 

TT  is  worth  while  making  any  efforts,  however 
-*-  desperate,  to  learn  to  pray.  .  .  .  Often  when 
I  desire  to  see  the  Truth  come  home  to  any  man, 
I  say  to  myself,  "If  I  have  him  here  he  will 
spend  half  an  hour  with  me.  Instead,  I  will 
spend  that  half-hour  in  prayer  for  him." — Forbes 
Robinson. 


18 


ENCOURAGEMENTS     TO     PRAYER 

IN  nothing  be  anxious;  but  in  everything  by 
prayer  and  supplication  with  thanksgiving 
let  your  requests  be  made  known  unto  God.  And 
the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all  understand- 
ing, shall  guard  your  hearts  and  your  thoughts 
in  Christ  Jesus. — Phil.  4:6,  7. 

WHAT  I  am  trying  to  do  is  precisely  to  get 
away  from  the  ordinary,  conventional 
ideas  about  prayer,  and  to  carry  our  minds  to 
the  point  of  view  of  those  who  knew  more  about 
it  by  experience  than  most  of  us  have  attained 
to — people  like  Saint  Augustine,  Saint  Bernard, 
Saint  Teresa,  Brother  Lawrence  and  many 
others;  and  behind  them  the  apostles  and 
prophets  on  whom  the  Church  is  built;  and 
behind  them  Jesus  Christ  Himself  the  head 
Corner-Stone.  All  these  knew  by  vivid,  com- 
pelling personal  experience  that  prayer  is  not 
a  mere  telephoning  to  God  to  ask  Him  to  do 
things,  but  a  developing  life,  an  expanding, 
deepening,  heightening,  intensifying,  of  the 
whole  being,  by  allowing  it  to  be  drawn  in  the 
embrace  of  God  nearer  and  nearer  to  Himself. — 
''Self -training  in  Prayer"  by  A.  H,  McNeile. 


19 


THE      ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

WHO  ever  managed  a  greater  empire  than 
Constantine?  Yet  "every  day,"  as  Euse- 
bius  reporteth,  "at  stated  times  shutting  himself 
up,  he  alone  privately  did  converse  with  his 
God." — Isaac  Barrow,  1614-1650;  quoted  by 
Bishop  Boyd  Carpenter. 

AS  we  look  back  over  the  history  of  the  world, 
we  cannot  help  being  struck  by  the  fact 
that  the  men  of  prayer  are  the  men  of  power. 
There  is  a  connection  in  history  between  prayer 
and  power.  Take,  for  instance,  the  great  re- 
former of  the  past  century,  who  was  able  to 
break  down  the  most  determined  opposition  to 
his  reforms,  and  to  free  the  little  children  of 
England  from  terrible  slavery — Lord  Shaftes- 
bury. What  was  the  secret  of  his  supernatural 
power?  If  we  read  his  life  we  shall  see.  That 
man  was  praying  continually.  He  was  praying 
in  the  House  of  Commons  before  he  made  his 
speeches;  he  was  praying  in  everything  he  did. 
It  would  not  be  intelligent  reading  of  biography 
to  disconnect  his  prayer  from  his  power.  Or 
take  General  Gordon,  who  left  us  the  record  of 
a  stainless  soldier  who  could  stand  alone.  What 
gave  him  the  strength  to  do  it?     Here,  again,  we 

20 


ENCOURAGEMENTS     TO     PRAYER 

cannot  intelligently  disconnect  his  extraordinary 
power,  his  extraordinary  personal  influence, 
from  the  white  handkerchief  outside  his  tent,  so 
regularly  placpd  there  two  or  three  times  a  day, 
which  meant  that  General  Gordon  was  at  his 
prayers.  Continuous  prayer  brings  personal 
power. — James  Hastings, 

STONEWALL  JACKSON  had  also  acquired 
this  habit  of  reminding  himself  of  the  pres- 
ence of  Christ.  He  literally  carried  the  saintli- 
ness  of  the  cloister  into  the  turmoil  of  the  camp. 
He  began  each  day  with  an  unhurried  time  of 
Bible  study  and  secret  prayer.  It  is  said  he 
prayed  without  ceasing  while  under  fire  as  well 
as  in  camp. — John  R.  Mott. 

ASK,  and  it  shall  be  given  you;  seek,  and  ye 
shall  find;  knock,  and  it  shall  be  opened 
unto  you:  for  every  one  that  asketh  receiveth; 
and  he  that  seeketh  findeth;  and  to  him  that 
knocketh  it  shall  be  opened.  Or  what  man  is 
there  of  you,  who,  if  his  son  shall  ask  him  for 
a  loaf,  will  give  him  a  stone;  or  if  he  shall  ask 
for  3  fish,  will  give  him  a  serpent?  If  ye  then, 
being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good  gifts  unto 

21 


THE      ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

your  children,  how  much  more  shall  your 
Father  who  is  in  heaven  give  good  things  to 
them  that  ask  him? — Matt.  7:7-11. 

IT  is  a  great  word  in  the  letter  to  the  Hebrews 
which  declares  that  we  "may  find  grace  to 
help  us  in  time  of  need."  I  have  always  felt 
that  I  should  like  to  discover  some  idiom  of  my 
own  language  which  would  gather  the  thought  of 
the  Greek  phrase,  and  I  am  not  sure  hut  that  it  is 
perfectly  done  by  saying  that  the  message  de- 
clares we  may  find  grace  to  help  us  "in  the  nick 
of  time." — G,  Campbell  Morgan. 

BE  not  afraid  to  pray — to  pray  is  right. 
Pray,  if  thou  canst,  with  hope ;  but  ever  pray, 
Though  hope  be  weak,  or  sick  with  long  delay : 
Pray  in  the  darkness,  if  there  be  no  light. 

Far  is  the  time,  remote  from  human  sight, 
When  war  and  discord  on  the  earth  shall  cease. 
Yet  every  prayer  for  universal  peace 

Avails  the  blessed  time  to  expedite. 

Whate'er  is  good  to  wish,  that  ask  of  Heaven, 
Though  it  be  that  thou  canst  not  hope  to  see; 

22 


ENCOURAGEMENTS     TO     PRAYER 

Pray  to  be  perfect,  though  the  material  leaven 
Forbid  the  spirit  so  on  earth  to  be; 

But  if  for  any  wish  thou  darest  not  pray 
Then  pray  to  God  to  cast  that  wish  away. 

Hartley  Coleridge,  1796-1849. 

TOEHOLD,  I  stand  at  the  door  and  knock:  if 
^-^  any  man  hear  my  voice  and  open  the  door, 
I  will  come  in  to  him,  and  will  sup  with  him,  and 
he  with  me. — Rev.  3 :20. 


23 


SUGGESTIONS  ABOUT  HOW  TO  PRAY 


Ill 

SUGGESTIONS  ABOUT  HOW  TO  PRAY 

METHINKS  I  was  as  if  I  had  seen  Him  .  .  . 
walk  through  the  world  from  the  cradle 
to  the  Cross,  to  which  also  when  He  came  I  saw 
how  gently  He  gave  Himself  to  be  hanged  and 
nailed  upon  it  for  my  sins  and  wicked  doings 
...  0,  friends,  cry  to  God  to  reveal  Jesus  Christ 
to  you.  .  .  .  There  is  none  teacheth  like  Him. — 
''Grace  Abounding,''  by  John  Bunyan,  1628- 
1688. 

THERE  are  two  things  which  make  our  Lord's 
example  in  the  life  of  prayer  of  special  sig- 
nificance. In  the  first  place,  if  ever  anyone 
could  have  dispensed  with  prayer,  it  was  He.  In 
the  second  place.  His  experience  tried  out  the 
whole  reality  of  prayer.  Whatever  He  found  in 
it,  we  may  be  sure  is  there. — Robert  E.  Speer, 

Gl  OD  requires  no  great  matters  of  us:  a  little 
•  remembrance  of  Him  from  time  to  time;  a 
little  adoration;  sometimes  to  pray  for  His  grace, 
sometimes   to    offer   Him   your   sufferings,    and 

27 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

sometimes  to  return  Him  thanks  for  the  favors 
He  has  given  you,  and  still  gives  you,  in  the 
midst  of  your  troubles,  and  to  console  yourself 
with  Him  the  oftenest  you  can.  Lift  up  your 
heart  to  Him,  sometimes  even  at  your  meals,  and 
when  you  are  in  company:  the  least  little  re- 
membrance will  always  be  acceptable  to  Him. 
You  need  not  cry  very  loud;  He  is  nearer  to  us 
than  we  are  aware  of. 

It  is  not  necessary  for  being  with  God  to  be 
always  at  church:  we  may  make  an  oratory  of 
our  heart  wherein  to  retire  from  time  to  time  to 
converse  with  Him  in  meekness,  humility,  and 
love.  Every  one  is  capable  of  such  familiar 
conversation  with  God,  some  more,  some  less: 
He  knows  what  we  can  do.  Let  us  begin,  then. 
Perhaps  He  expects  but  one  generous  resolution 
on  our  part.  Have  courage.  We  have  but  little 
time  to  live.  .  .  .  Let  us  live  and  die  with  God. 
Sufferings  will  be  sweet  and  pleasant  to  us  while 
we  are  with  Him ;  and  the  greatest  pleasures  will 
be,  without  Him,  a  cruel  punishment  to  us.  .   .   . 

Accustom  yourself,  then,  by  degrees  thus  to 
worship  Him,  to  beg  His  grace,  to  offer  Him 
your  heart  from  time  to  time  in  the  midst  of 
your  business,  even  every  moment  if  you  can. 

28 


SUGGESTIONS      HOW      TO      PRAY 

Do  not  always  scrupulously  confine  yourself  to 
certain  rules,  or  particular  forms  of  devotion, 
but  act  with  a  general  confidence  in  God,  with 
love  and  humility. — Brother  Lawrence. 

Cautions  to  Those  Who  Pray 

THE  Spirit  of  God  will  not  dwell  in  a  divided 
heart.      We   cannot   feel   the   pleasures    of 
devotion  while  the  world  is  our  delight. 

2.  He  who  would  be  devout,  must  beware  of 
indulging  a  habit  of  wandering  in  prayer.  It  is 
a  crime  that  will  grow  upon  us,  and  will  deprive 
us  of  the  blessings  we  pray  for. 

3.  The  oftener  we  renew  our  intercourse  with 
God,  the  greater  will  be  our  devotion. 

4.  Make  it  a  law  to  yourself,  to  meditate  be- 
fore you  pray;  as  also  to  make  pauses  to  see 
whether  your  heart  goes  with  your  lips. — Bishop 
Thomas  Wilson,  1663-1755. 

Different  Phases  of  Prayer 

AT  least  once  each  day  there  should  be  an 
unhurried  period  of  prayer,  including  the 
following: 

1.     Meditation — that  is,  a  brief  time  of  recol- 

29 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

lection  in  order  to  realize  who  God  is  and  who 
you  are.  There  must  be  a  little  time  to  feel  the 
wonder  of  His  vastness  and  of  your  littleness, 
of  His  love  and  of  your  coldness,  of  His  holi- 
ness and  of  your  sin.  ... 

2.  Prayer  for  Grace.  Then  the  heart  must  be 
lifted  up  for  the  divine  help  which  is  needed  in 
order  to  pray,  to  learn  what  things  to  ask  for,  to 
feel  the  strength  of  desire,  to  gain  the  power  of 
wrestling  or,  in  a  word,  to  receive  the  Holy 
Spirit. 

3.  Confession,  .  .  .  The  great  sins  of  our 
lives  have  perhaps  been  wept  over,  repented  of, 
confessed,  and  forgiven,  but  our  life  is  choked 
with  the  little  sins  that  are  hardly  remembered — 
faults  of  motives,  slurs,  the  omissions,  the  negli- 
gences which  require  contrition  and  confession 
all  the  more  because  they  escape  all  eyes  but 
God's;  and  to  these  minor  sins  that  text  is  well 
applied,  "Take  me  the  little  foxes  that  destroy 
the  vines."  .  .  . 

4.  Intercession.  Then  requests  have  to  be 
made  for  all  sorts  and  conditions  of  men,  for  the 
world  and  for  the  Church,  for  our  country  and 
for  our  own  Church,  for  Christ's  servants  abroad 
and  at  home,  for  friends  and  for  enemies,  for 

30 


SUGGESTIONS      HOW      TO      PRAY 

relatives  and  connections,  for  classes  and  for 
individuals  mentioned  by  name.  .   .   . 

5.  Thanksgiving,  It  is  well  to  keep  a  journal 
of  mercies,  and  in  every  act  of  prayer  to  recol- 
lect the  numerous  particulars  which  call  for 
praise.  It  is  the  besetting  sin  of  some  tempera- 
ments, and  a  frequent  temptation  of  all,  to  be 
far  more  conscious  of  the  trials  than  of  the  bene- 
fits of  life. — -Robert  F,  Horton. 

Prayer  and  Labor 
Prayers 

Slow,  recollected,  persevering. 
Peaceful,  calm,  resigned. 
Simple,  humble,  trusting. 
Always  reverent,  as  loving  as  possible. 
Charitable.    Have  I  not  always  opportunity  to 
give?  to  thank? 
Labor 

Begun  cheerfully. 
Continued  perseveringly. 
Interrupted  and  resumed  patiently. 
Finished  perfectly  and  devoutly. 
Repose  and  care  for  the  body,  as  in  God's  sight, 
under  God's  protection. 

"Gold  Dust." 

31 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

DO  not  pray  for  easy  lives!  Pray  to  be 
stronger  men! 
Do  not  pray  for  tasks  equal  to  your  powers! 
Pray  for  powers  equal  to  your  tasks!  Then  the 
doing  of  your  work  shall  be  no  miracle.  But 
you  shall  be  a  miracle.  Every  day  you  shall 
wonder  at  yourself,  at  the  richness  of  life  which 
has  come  in  you  by  the  grace  of  God. — Bishop 
Phillips  Brooks,  1835-1893. 

JESUS  said,  "Watch  and  pray";  but  if  prayer 
had  been  the  same  thing  as  watching,  Jesus 
would  either  have  said  "watch,"  or  else  He  would 
have  said  "pray."  But  He  said,  "Watch  and 
pray."  In  the  same  way  it  may  be  shown  that 
prayer  is  different  from  thinking,  meditating, 
planning,  deliberating,  and  striving  with  the 
hands  or  with  the  brain.  .  .  .  We  notice  in  the 
following  passages  how  by  both  words  and  ac- 
tions it  is  implied  that  prayer  was  not  with  our 
Lord  a  mere  glance,  or  sign,  or  attitude  of  mind, 
or  passing  ejaculation,  but  rather  a  sharply  de- 
fined effort,  so  engaging  and  focussing  the  fac- 
ulties as  to  demand  all  the  circumstance  of  time 
and  place  which  is  demanded  by  the  most  serious 
engagements  of  business  life. 

32 


SUGGESTIONS      HOW      TO      PRAY 

"In  the  morning  He  rose  early,  while  it  was 
still  quite  dark,  and  leaving  the  house  He  went 
away  to  a  solitary  place  and  there  prayed." — 
Mark  1:35. 

"At  one  place  where  He  was  praying,  when 
He  rose  from  His  knees  one  of  His  disciples  said 
to  Him,  'Master,  teach  us  to  pray  just  as  John 
taught  his  disciples.'  " — Luke  11:1. 

"One  day  when  He  was  praying  by  Himself 
the  disciples  were  present." — Luke  9:18. 

"He  made  the  disciples  go  on  board  the  boat 
.  .  .  and  leave  Him  to  dismiss  the  people.  When 
He  had  done  this  He  climbed  the  hill  to  pray  in 
solitude" — Matt,  14:22,  23. 

"Sit  down  here  whilst  I  go  yonder  and  there 
pray."— Mai/.  26:36. 

"He  Himself  withdrew  from  them  about  a 
stone's  throw  and  knelt  down  and  prayed  repeat- 
edly .'*— Luke  22 'Al. 

The  phrase  "as  he  was  wont"  (Luke  22:39), 
referring  to  His  going  out  to  Gethsemane  and 
the  subsequent  reference  to  it  as  'Hhe  place," 
would  seem  to  imply  that  Gethsemane  was  one 
of  our  Lord's  places  of  regular  resort  for  prayer. 

The  type  of  prayer  that  is  exhibited  by  the 
above  passages,  which  deal  with  our  Lord's  prac- 

33 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

tice,  is  that  kind  which  may  be  described  as 
"seasonal."  At  least  we  may  say  that  it  presents 
prayer  to  us  as  a  regular,  unhurried,  deliberate, 
and  definite  concentration  of  the  faculties,  in 
undivided  attention,  upon  a  specific  work. — 
*TAe  Discipline  of  Prayer," 

RELY  not  on  a  single  prayer  in  matters  of 
great  concernment;  but  make  it  as  public 
as  you  can,  by  obtaining  of  others  to  pray  with 
you;  this  being  the  great  blessing  of  the  Com- 
munion of  Saints,  that  a  prayer  united  is  strong 
like  a  well-ordered  army. — Bishop  Jeremy  Tai- 
lor, 1613-1667. 

IS  it  not  true  that  most  people  fail  much  in 
prayer,  because  they  will  not  take  the  trouble 
to  prepare  for  prayer?  With  a  written  list  of 
the  subjects  we  select  for  our  prayers,  a  few  col- 
lects or  prayers  from  books  of  devotion  care- 
fully selected  and  marked,  and  a  fixed  time 
allotted  to  our  prayers,  we  shall  find  we  can  do 
much  better  than  we  generally  do  now. — Bishop 
Walsham  How,  1823-1897. 


34 


SUGGESTIONS      HOW      TO      PRAY 

NO  man  is  likely  to  do  much  good  in  prayer 
who  does  not  begin  by  looking  upon  it  in 
the  light  of  a  work,  to  be  prepared  for  and  per- 
severed in  with  all  the  earnestness  which  we 
bring  to  bear  upon  subjects  which  are  at  once 
most  interesting  and  most  necessary. — Bishop 
Hamilton,  of  Salisbury. 

THE  supplication  of  a  righteous  man  availeth 
much  in  its  working. — James  5:16. 


35 


PRAYERS  FOR  USE  IN  THE  MORNING 


IV 

PRAYERS  FOR  USE  IN  THE  MORNING 

AWAKE,  my  soul,  and  with  the  sun 
Thy  daily  stage  of  duty  run; 
Shake  off  dull  sloth,  and  joyful  rise 
To  pay  thy  morning  sacrifice. 

Bishop  Ken,  1637-1711. 

OLORD,  our  heavenly  Father,  Almighty  and 
everlasting  God,  who  hast  safely  brought 
us  to  the  beginning  of  this  day;  Defend  us  in 
the  same  with  Thy  mighty  power ;  and  grant  that 
this  day  we  fall  into  no  sin,  neither  run  into  any 
kind  of  danger;  but  that  all  our  doings  may  be 
ordered  by  thy  governance,  to  do  always  that  is 
righteous  in  Thy  sight;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.  Amen. — "Gelasian  Sacramentary*'  494; 
"Book  of  Common  Prayer"  1549. 

OGOD  ...  the  fountain  of  blessings  .  .  . 
open  to  us  this  day  the  sea  of  Thy  love, 
and  water  us  with  plenteous  streams  from  the 
riches  of  Thy  grace.  Make  us  children  of  quiet- 
ness, and  heirs  of  peace.     Enkindle  in  us  the 

39 


THE      ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

fire  of  Thy  love;  sow  in  us  Thy  fear;  strengthen 
our  weakness  by  Thy  power;  bind  us  closely  to 
Thee  and  to  each  other  in  one  firm  bond  of 
unity;  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. — 
'^'Syrian  Clementine  Liturgy"  A.  D.  95. 

OGOD,  our  heavenly  Father,  we  Thy  chil- 
dren come  now  to  Thy  feet  with  our  sup- 
plications. We  cannot  live  without  Thy  bless- 
ing. Life  is  too  hard  for  us,  duty  is  too  large. 
We  get  discouraged,  and  our  feeble  hands  hang 
down.  We  come  to  Thee  with  our  weakness, 
asking  Thee  for  strength.  Help  us  always  to  be 
of  good  cheer.  Let  us  not  be  disheartened  by 
difficulties.  Let  us  never  doubt  Thy  love  or  any 
of  Thy  promises.  Give  us  grace  to  be  encour- 
agers  of  others,  never  discouragers.  Let  us  not 
go  about  with  sadness  or  fear  among  men,  but 
may  we  be  a  benediction  to  everyone  we  meet, 
always  making  life  easier,  never  harder,  for  those 
who  come  within  our  influence.  Help  us  to  be 
as  Christ  to  others,  that  they  may  see  something 
of  His  love  in  our  lives,  and  learn  to  love  Him 
in  us.  We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us,  to  receive 
our  prayer,  and  to  forgive  our  sins;  for  the  sake 
of  Jesus  Christ.    Amen. — /.  R,  Miller, 

40 


FOR      USE       IN      THE       MORNING 

10RD,  thou  hast  been  our  dwelling-place 
^   In  all  generations. 

Before  the  mountains  were  brought  forth, 

Or  ever  thou  hadst  formed  the  earth  and  the 
world. 

Even  from  everlasting  to  everlasting,  thou  art 
God. 

Thou  turnest  man  to  destruction. 

And  sayest,  Return,  ye  children  of  men. 

For  a  thousand  years  in  thy  sight 

Are  but  as  yesterday  when  it  is  past, 

And  as  a  watch  in  the  night. 

Thou  carriest  them  away  as  with  a  flood;  they 
are  as  a  sleep: 

In  the  morning  they  are  like  grass  which  grow- 
eth  up. 

In  the  morning  it  flourisheth,  and  groweth  up; 

In  the  evening  it  is  cut  down,  and  withereth.  .  .  . 

So  teach  us  to  number  our  days, 

That  we  may  get  us  a  heart  of  wisdom. 

Return,  0  Jehovah;  how  long? 

And  let  it  repent  thee  concerning  thy  servants. 

Oh  satisfy  us  in  the  morning  with  thy  loving- 
kindness, 

That  we  may  rejoice  and  be  glad  all  our  days.  .  . 

Let  thy  work  appear  unto  thy  servants, 

41 


THE      ENRICHMENT      OF      PRAYER 

And  thy  glory  upon  their  children. 

And  let  the  favor  of  the  Lord  our  God  be  upon 

us; 
And  establish  thou  the  work  of  our  hands  upon 

us; 
Yea,  the  work  of  our  hands  establish  thou  it. 

Psalm  90:1-6,  12-14,  16-17. 

INTO  Thy  hands,  0  Lord,  we  commend  our 
spirits,  souls,  and  bodies,  for  Thou  hast  created 
and  redeemed  them,  0  Lord  God  Almighty.  Guide 
us  and  all  whom  we  love  this  day  with  Thine  eye, 
and  kindle  Thy  light  in  our  hearts,  that  Thy 
godly  knowledge  increasing  in  us  more  and 
more,  we  may  always  be  found  to  walk  and  live 
after  Thy  will  and  pleasure;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — From  an  Ancient  Col- 
lect. 

KEEP  us  this  day  in  our  bodies  as  well  as  in 
our  souls;  let  no  accident  befall  us  or  ours, 
and  whatever  temptation  crosses  our  path,  may 
we  be  enabled  to  look  upward  and  take  courage, 
proving  under  every  trial  of  faith,  that  we  are 
indeed  faithful  disciples  and  good  soldiers  of 
the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.    Amen. — E,  J,  P.  1843. 

42 


FOR      USE      IN      THE      MORNING 

THE  day  returns  and  brings  us  the  petty 
round  of  irritating  concerns  and  duties. 
Help  us  to  play  the  man,  help  us  to  perform 
them  with  laughter  and  kind  faces,  let  cheer- 
fulness abound  with  industry.  Give  us  to  go 
blithely  on  our  business  all  this  day,  bring  us 
to  our  resting  beds  weary  and  content  and  undis- 
honored,  and  grant  us  in  the  end  the  gift  of 
sleep.  Amen.— Robert  Louis  Stevenson,  1850- 
1894.^ 

ETERNAL  GOD,  who  committest  to  us  the 
swift  and  solemn  trust  of  life;  since  we 
know  not  what  a  day  may  bring  forth,  but  only 
that  the  hour  for  serving  Thee  is  always  present, 
may  we  wake  to  the  instant  claims  of  Thy  holy 
will;  not  waiting  for  tomorrow,  but  yielding 
today.  Lay  to  rest,  by  the  persuasion  of  Thy 
Spirit,  the  resistance  of  our  passion,  indolence, 
or  fear.  Consecrate  with  Thy  presence  the  way 
our  feet  may  go;  and  the  humblest  work  will 
shine,  and  the  roughest  place  be  made  plain. 
Lift  us  above  unrighteous  anger  and  mistrust 
into  faith  and  hope  and  charity  by  a  simple 
and  steadfast  reliance  on  Thy  sure  will.     In 


^Copyright,     1914,     by     Charles     Scribner's    Sons.       Used    by     per- 
mission. 

43 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

all  tilings  draw  us  to  the  mind  of  Christ,  that 
Thy  lost  image  may  be  traced  again,  and  Thou 
mayest  own  us  as  at  one  with  Him  and  Thee. 
Amen. — James  Martineau,  1805-1900. 


JEHOVAH,    how    are    mine    adversaries    in- 
creased ! 
Many  are  they  that  rise  up  against  me. 
Many  there  are  that  sav  of  my  soul, 
There  is  no  help  for  him  in  God. 
But  thou,  0  Jehovah,  art  a  shield  about  me; 
My  glory,  and  the  lifter  up  of  my  head. 
I  cry  unto  Jehovah  with  my  voice. 
And  he  answereth  me  out  of  his  holy  hill. 
I  laid  me  down  and  slept; 
I  awaked;  for  Jehovah  sustaineth  me. 
I  will  not  be  afraid  of  ten  thousands  of  the 

people 
That  have  set  themselves  against  me  round  about. 
Arise,  0  Jehovah;  save  me,  0  my  God: 
For  thou  hast  smitten  all  mine  enemies  upon  the 

cheek  bone; 
Thou  hast  broken  the  teeth  of  the  wicked. 
Salvation  belongeth  unto  Jehovah: 
Thy  blessing  be  upon  thy  people. 

Psalm  3. 

44 


FOR      USE      IN      THE      MORNING 

OLORD  our  God,  Who  hast  chased  the  slum- 
ber from  our  eyes,  and  once  more  assem- 
bled us  to  lift  up  our  hands  unto  Thee,  and  to 
praise  Thy  just  judgments,  accept  our  prayers 
and  supplications,  and  give  us  faith  and  love. 
Bless  our  coming  in  and  our  going  out,  our 
thoughts,  words,  and  works,  and  let  us  begin 
this  day  with  the  praise  ...  of  Thy  mercy. 
Hallowed  be  Thy  name.  Thy  kingdom  come; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — Greek 
Church  Liturgy. 

ALMIGHTY  GOD,  seeing  that  it  is  high  time 
to  awake  out  of  sleep,  since  the  night  is  far 
spent  and  the  day  is  at  hand:  help  us  to  put  off 
the  works  of  darkness  and  put  on  the  armor 
of  light. 

May  our  loins  be  girt  and  our  lamps  burning, 
and  ourselves  as  men  who  watch  for  the  coming 
of  their  Lord.    Amen. 

COME  near  and  bless  us  when  we  wake, 
Ere  through  the  world  our  way  we  take;      / 
Till  in  the  ocean  of  Thy  love  ^ 

We  lose  ourselves  in  Heaven  above. 

John  Keble,  1792-1866. 

45 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

INTO  Thy  hands,  0  Lord,  we  commit  ourselves 
this  day.  Give  to  each  one  of  us  a  watchful, 
a  humble,  and  a  diligent  spirit,  that  we  may  seek 
in  all  things  to  know  Thy  will,  and  when  we 
know  it  may  perform  it  perfectly  and  gladly,  to 
the  honor  and  glory  of  Thy  Name;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — "Gelasian  Sacrament- 
ary"  494. 

OTHOU,  Who  in  the  morning  rising  up  a 
great  while  before  day,  didst  go  out  into 
a  solitary  place  and  there  pray;  make  good  Thy 
promise,  that  those  that  seek  thee  early  shall 
find  Thee:     Amen. — "Sursum  Corda" 

NOW  that  the  daylight  fills  the  sky, 
We  lift  our  hearts  to  God  on  high. 
That  He,  in  all  we  do  or  say. 
Would  keep  us  free  from  harm  today. 

May  He  restrain  our  tongues  from  strife. 
And  shield  from  anger's  din  our  life. 
And  guard  with  watchful  care  our  eyes 
From  earth's  absorbing  vanities. 

0  may  our  inmost  hearts  be  pure. 
From  thoughts  of  folly  kept  secure, 

46 


FOR      USE      IN      THE      MORNING 

And  pride  of  sinful  flesh  subdued 
Through  sparing  use  of  daily  food. 

So  we,  when  this  day's  work  is  o'er, 
And  shades  of  night  return  once  more, 
Our  path  of  trial  safely  trod, 
Shall  give  the  glory  to  our  God. 

/.  M.  Neale,  1818-1866. 


47 


PRAYERS  FOR  USE  IN  THE  EVENING 


V 

PRAYERS  FOR  USE  IN  THE  EVENING 

OTHOU,  by  whom  we  come  to  God, — 
The  Life,  the  Truth,  the  Way; 
The  path  of  prayer  Thyself  hast  trod; 
Lord,  teach  us  how  to  pray. 

James  Montgomery. 

WATCH  Thou,  dear  Lord,  with  those  who 
wake,  or  watch,  or  weep  tonight,  and  give 
Thine  angels  charge  over  those  who  sleep.  Tend 
Thy  sick  ones,  0  Lord  Christ.  Rest  Thy  weary 
ones.  Bless  Thy  dying  ones.  Soothe  Thy  suf- 
fering ones.  Pity  Thine  afflicted  ones.  Shield 
Thy  joyous  ones.  And  all  for  Thy  Love's  sake. 
Amen. — St.  Augustine,  354-430. 

T  IGHTEN  our  darkness,  we  beseech  Thee,  0        \ 
-*-^   Lord;  and  by  Thy  great  mercy  defend  us  '* 

from  all  perils  and  dangers  of  this  night;  for 
the  love  of  Thy  only  Son,  our  Savior,  Jesus 
Christ.  Amen. — "Gelasian  Sacramentary"  494; 
"Book  of  Common  Prayer"  1549. 

51 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

OLORD  our  God,  Almighty  and  Eternal 
Father,  who  givest  to  Thy  children  liber- 
ally and  upbraidest  not,  we  bless  Thee  this 
night  for  Thine  infinite  goodness  to  us  and  to 
all  men.  We  give  Thee  thanks  for  the  world 
and  all  the  good  things  which  are  therein;  for 
the  sky  above  us  and  the  earth  beneath  our  feet; 
for  the  changing  seasons,  for  our  home  and  our 
friends.  We  bless  Thee  for  Thy  tender  care 
which  guards  us,  and  for  all  Thy  good  gifts  by 
which  we  are  enriched.  Most  of  all  do  we 
bless  Thee  for  Jesus  Christ  our  Savior.  In  Thy 
service  may  we  live,  and  in  Thy  favor  may  we 
die;  through  the  same  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

I  WILL  lay  me  down  in  peace  and  take  my 
rest,  for  it  is  Thou,  Lord,  only  that  makest 
me  dwell  in  safety. — Psalm  4:8. 

TAKE  us,  we  pray  Thee,  0  Lord  of  our  life, 
into  Thy  keeping  this  night  and  forever.  0 
Thou  Light  of  lights,  keep  us  from  inward  dark- 
ness; grant  us  so  to  sleep  in  peace,  that  we  may 
arise  to  work  according  to  Thy  will;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — Bishop  An- 
drewes,  1555-1626. 

52 


FOR       USE       IN       THE       EVENING 

OLORD  our  God,  refresh  us  with  quiet  sleep 
when  we  are  wearied  with  the  day's  labor, 
that,  being  assisted  with  the  help  which  our 
weakness  needs,  we  may  be  devoted  to  Thee  both 
in  body  and  mind;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. — Leonine  Sacramentary,  440. 

T  ORD,  when  I  am  asleep  let  me  not  be  made 
-■-^  afraid;  but  let  my  sleep  be  sweet  that  I 
may  be  enabled  to  serve  Thee.  Amen. — Arch- 
bishop Laud,  1573-1645. 

BEFORE  I  go  to  rest,  I  would  commit  myself 
to  God's  care,  through  Christ,  beseeching 
Him  to  forgive  me  for  all  my  sins  of  this  day 
past,  and  to  keep  alive  His  grace  in  my  heart, 
and  to  cleanse  me  from  all  indolence,  pride, 
harshness,  and  selfishness,  and  to  give  me  the 
spirit  of  meekness,  humility,  firmness,  and  love. 
O  Lord,  keep  Thyself  present  to  me  ever,  and 
perfect  Thy  strength  in  my  weakness.  Take  me 
and  mine  under  Thy  blessed  care,  this  night  and 
evermore,  through  Jesus  Christ. — Thomas  Ar- 
nold, 1795-1839. 


53 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

IN  Thee,  0  Lord,  do  I  put  my  trust;  let  me 
never  be  ashamed:  deliver  me  in  Thy  right- 
eousness. 

Bow  down  thine  ear  to  me;  deliver  me  speedily: 
be  Thou  my  strong  rock,  for  a  house  of 
defence  to  save  me. 

For  Thou  art  my  rock  and  my  fortress;  there- 
fore for  Thy  name's  sake  lead  me,  and 
guide  me. 

Into  Thine  hand  I  commit  my  spirit:  Thou  hast 
redeemed  me,  0  Lord  God  of  truth.  .   .   . 

My  times  are  in  Thy  hand;  deliver  me  from  the 
hand  of  mine  enemies,  and  from  them 
that  persecute  me. — Psalm  31:1-5,  15. 

THE  Lord  bless  us  and  keep  us;  the  Lord 
make  His  face  to  shine  upon  us,  and  be 
gracious  unto  us.  The  Lord  lift  up  the  Light  of 
His  countenance  upon  us,  and  give  us  peace,  this 
night  and  forevermore.  Amen. — Adapted  from 
Num.  6:24-26. 

A  Sunday  Evening  Meditation 

OLORD  our  God,  we  are  once  again  arrived 
at  the  evening  of  Thy  holy  day.    May  Thy 
Spirit  render  it  truly  blest  to  us! 

54 


FOR       USE       IN       THE       EVENING 

We  have  attended  the  public  service  of  Thy 
Church;  Thou  knowest,  0  Lord,  and  our  own 
consciences  each  know  also,  whether  while  we 
worshipped  Thee  in  form,  we  worshipped  Thee 
in  spirit  and  in  truth.  Thou  knowest,  and  our 
own  consciences  know  also,  whether  we  are  or 
are  likely  to  be  any  the  better  for  what  we  have 
heard  with  our  outward  ears  today. 

Forgive  us,  Lord,  for  this  great  sin  of  despis- 
ing the  means  of  grace  which  Thou  hast  given 
us.  Forgive  us  for  all  our  carelessness,  inatten- 
tion, and  hardness  of  heart;  forgive  us  for  hav- 
ing been  far  from  Thee  in  mind,  when  our  lips 
and  outward  expression  seemed  near  to  Thee. 

Lord,  will  it  be  so  forever?  Shall  we  ever 
hear  and  not  heed?  And  when  our  life  is  draw- 
ing near  to  its  end,  as  this  day  is  now,  shall  we 
then  feel  that  we  have  lived  without  Thee  in  the 
world,  and  that  we  are  dying  unforgiven? 
Gracious  Father,  be  pleased  to  touch  our  hearts 
in  time  with  trouble,  with  sorrow,  with  sickness, 
with  disappointment,  with  anything  that  may 
hinder  them  from  being  hard  to  the  end,  and 
leading  us  to  eternal  ruin. 

Thou  knowest  our  particular  temptations 
here.      Help    us    with    Thy    Holy    Spirit    to 

55 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

struggle  against  them.  Save  us  from  being 
ashamed  of  Thee  and  of  our  duty.  Save  us  from 
the  base  and  degrading  fear  of  one  another. 
Save  us  from  idleness  and  thoughtlessness.  Save 
us  from  the  sin  of  falsehood  and  lying.  Save  us 
from  unkindness  and  selfishness,  caring  only  for 
ourselves,  and  not  for  Thee  and  for  our  neigh- 
bors. 

Thou  who  knowest  all  our  weaknesses,  save  us 
from  ourselves,  and  our  own  evil  hearts.  Renew 
us  with  Thy  Spirit  to  walk  as  becomes  those 
whom  Thou  hast  redeemed,  through  Thy  Son 
Jesus  Christ,  our  Savior.  Amen. — Thomas  Ar- 
nold, 1795-1839. 


56 


FOR    OUR    SPECIAL    NEEDS 


VI 

FOR  OUR  SPECIAL  NEEDS 

OGOD,  we  have  heard  with  our  ears,  and  our 
fathers  have  declared  unto  us,  the  noble 
works  that  Thou  didst  in  their  days,  and  in  the 
old  time  before  them. 

O  Lord,  arise,  help  us, 
and  deliver  us  for  Thine 
honor, 

"The  Litany," 

Release  for  Captives 

OLORD,  we  acknowledge  our  failures  and 
defects;  we  humbly  confess  our  errors 
and  our  sins;  but  forasmuch  as  Thou  delightest 
to  show  mercy,  we  beseech  Thee  to  pardon  .  .  . 
us,  to  deliver  us  from  the  burden  of  transgres- 
sion, and  to  release  us  from  the  power  of  sin; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — "Gelor 
sian  Sacramentary,"  494. 

WHEREINSOVER     we     have     erred     and 
strayed  from  Thy  ways,  whereinsoever  we 
have  come  short,  or  done  that  which  we  ought  not 

59 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

to  have  done,  graciously  forgive  us,  we  beseech 
Thee.  Help  us  to  turn  from  all  evil,  to  that 
which  is  holy  and  good.  Teach  us  to  love  what 
is  right,  and  to  do  it  forever;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. — Professor  Knight, 

OGOD,  the  Father  of  mercies,  we,  Thine  un- 
worthy children,  who  have  erred  and 
strayed  from  Thy  ways,  return  unto  Thee  with 
contrite  hearts,  beseeching  Thee  to  forgive  and 
to  deliver  us  from  evil.  Remembering  our  weak- 
ness, we  ask  Thee  to  help  us  to  lay  aside  all  evil 
thoughts,  words,  and  works.  May  the  power  of 
evil  be  broken  in  us,  and  may  the  power  of  good 
be  strengthened;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 


For  Forgiveness 

1HAVE  sinned,  I  have  done  amiss,  I  have 
dealt  wickedly: 
I  know,  0  Lord,  the  plague  of  my  heart, 
and  behold  I  turn  unto  Thee 
with  all  my  heart 
and  with  all  my  strength. 
And  now,  0  Lord,  from  thy  dwelling-place  and 

60 


FOR      OUR      SPECIAL      NEEDS 

from  the  throne  of  the  glory  of  thy  kingdom 
in  heaven, 
hear  therefore  the  prayer 

and  the  supplication  of  thy  servant, 
and  forgive  thy  servant 

and  heal  his  soul. 
Be  Thou  my  hope, 
0  hope  of  all  the  ends  of  the  earth 

and  of  them  that  remain  in  the  broad  sea. 
The  Lord  Himself  be  my  keeper : 

0  Lord,  be  my  defence  upon  my  right  hand. 
The  Lord  preserve  me  from  all  evil: 

Yea  the  Lord  be  he  that  shall  keep  my  soul. 
The  Lord  preserve  my  going  out 
and  my  coming  in, 

from  this  time  forth 
for  evermore. 
Bishop  AndreweSf  1555-1626, 

0  ALMIGHTY  GOD,  pardon  the  luxury  of 
our  age,  and  grant  that  those  who  live  in 
stately  dwellings  and  fare  sumptuously  every 
day  may  be  brought  so  to  hunger  and  thirst  after 
righteousness  that  they  may  be  filled  with  Thine 
everlasting  sweetness,  and  may  not  be  shut  out 
from  the  eternal  home  which  Thou  has  provided 

61 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

for  such  as  wait  upon  Thee  in  holiness;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — ^^Intercessory 
Manual" 

For  Forgiveness  and  Strength 

OLORD,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee,  blot  out 
our  past  transgressions,  heal  the  evils  of 
our  past  negligences  and  ignorances,  make  us 
amend  our  past  mistakes  and  misunderstandings ; 
uplift  our  hearts  to  new  love,  new  energy,  and 
devotion,  that  we  may  be  unburdened  from  the 
grief  and  shame  of  past  faithlessness,  to  go  forth 
in  Thy  strength,  to  persevere  through  success  and 
failure,  through  good  report  and  evil  report, 
even  to  the  end;  and  in  all  time  of  our  tribula- 
tion, in  all  time  of  our  wealth,  save  us  and  help 
us,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee,  0  Lord. — Bishop 
George  Ridding,  1828. 

For  Support  in  Times  of  Temptation 

OLORD,  our  Defender,  have  pity  upon  us; 
behold  the  armies  of  the  flesh,  the  world, 
and  the  devil  fight  against  our  souls,  and  multi- 
ply against  us  every  day  temptations  and  dis- 
advantages.    We  are  not  able  of  ourselves,  as 

62 


FOR       OUR       SPECIAL       NEEDS 

of  ourselves,  to  think  a  good  thought,  much  less 
put  to  flight  the  armies  of  them  that  set  them- 
selves against  us  round  about.  But  Thou,  0 
Lord,  art  our  Defender,  Thou  art  our  Worship 
and  the  Lifter-up  of  our  heads.  Up,  Lord,  and 
help  us;  arm  us  with  the  shield  of  faith  and  the 
sword  of  the  Spirit,  and  in  all  times  of  tempta- 
tion and  battle,  cover  our  heads  with  the  helmet 
of  salvation,  so  shall  we  not  be  afraid  of  ten 
thousands  of  our  enemies,  for  salvation  belong- 
eth  unto  Thee;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. — Bishop  Jeremy  Taylor,  1613-1667. 

OLORD,  shield  of  our  help,  who  wilt  not 
suffer  us  to  be  tempted  above  that  we  are 
able,  help  us,  we  entreat  Thee,  in  all  our  straits 
and  wrestlings,  to  lift  up  our  eyes  unto  Thee, 
and  stay  our  hearts  on  Thee.  Amen. — Christina 
G.  Rossetti,  1830-1894. 

Men  of  Might 

STRONG  Son  of  God,  who  wast  tried  and 
tempted  to  the  uttermost,  yet  without  sin; 
be  near  me  now  with  Thy  strength  and  give  me 
the  victory  over  this  evil  desire  that  threatens 
to  ruin  me.     I  am  weak,  0  Lord,  and  full  of 

63 


THE      ENRICHMENT      OF      PRAYER 

doubts  and  fears.  There  are  moments  when  I 
am  afraid  of  myself,  when  the  world  and  the 
flesh  and  the  devil  seem  more  powerful  than 
the  forces  of  good.  But  now  I  look  to  Thee  in 
whom  dwelleth  all  the  fulness  of  grace  and 
might  and  redemption.  Blessed  Savior!  I  take 
Thee  afresh  to  be  my  Refuge  .  .  .  my  Defence, 
my  strong  Tower  from  the  enemy.  Hear  me  and 
bless  me  now  and  ever.  Amen. — Samuel  Mc- 
Comb.^ 

r' 

OGOD,  Who  knowest  us  to  be  set  in  the  midst 
of  so  many  and  great  dangers,  that  by 
reason  of  the  frailty  of  our  nature  we  cannot 
always  stand  upright;  Grant  to  us  such  strength 
and  protection,  as  may  support  us  in  all  dan- 
gers, and  carry  us  through  all  temptations; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — 
"Gregorian  Sacramentary/'  590;  "Book  of  Com- 
mon Prayer,"  1662. 

HEAR,  0  Jehovah,  when  I  cry  with  my  voice : 
Have  mercy  also  upon  me,  and  answer  me. 
When  thou  saidst.  Seek  ye  my  face;  my  heart 

said  unto  thee, 
Thy  face,  Jehovah,  will  I  seek. 

'Copyright,     1917,     by     Dodd,     Mead     and     Company,     Inc. 

64 


FOR      OUR       SPECIAL       NEEDS 

Hide  not  thy  face  from  me; 

Put  not  thy  servant  away  in  anger: 

Thou  hast  been  my  help; 

Cast  me  not  off,  neither  forsake  me,  0  God  of 
my  salvation. 

When  my  father  and  my  mother  forsake  me, 

Then  Jehovah  will  take  me  up. 

Teach  me  thy  way,  0  Jehovah; 

And  lead  me  in  a  plain  path. 

Because  of  mine  enemies. 

Deliver  me  not  over  unto  the  will  of  mine  ad- 
versaries : 

For  false  witnesses  are  risen  up  against  me. 

And  such  as  breathe  out  cruelty. 

I  had  fainted,  unless  I  had  believed  to  see  the 
goodness  of  Jehovah 

In  the  land  of  the  living. 

Wait  for  Jehovah: 

Be  strong,  and  let  thy  heart  take  courage; 

Yea,  wait  thou  for  Jehovah. 

Psalm  27:7-14. 

For  Purity  and  Inward  Help 

ALMIGHTY  GOD,  who  seest  that  we  have  no 
power  of  ourselves  to  help  ourselves,  keep 
us  both  outwardly  in  our  bodies,  and  inwardly 

65 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

in  our  souls,  that  we  may  be  defended  from  all 
adversities  which  may  happen  to  the  body,  and 
from  all  evil  thoughts  which  may  assault  and 
hurt  the  soul;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. — ^'Gregorian  Sacramentary"  590;  "Book 
of  Common  Prayer"  1662. 

OTHOU  whose  light  is  about  me  and  within 
me  and  to  whom  all  things  are  present, 
help  me  this  day  to  keep  my  life  pure  in  Thy 
sight.  Suffer  me  not  by  any  lawless  act  of  mine 
to  befoul  any  innocent  life  or  add  to  the  shame 
and  hopelessness  of  any  erring  one  that  struggles 
faintly  against  sin.  Grant  me  a  steadfast  scorn 
for  pleasure  bought  by  human  degradation.  May 
no  reckless  word  or  wanton  look  from  me  kindle 
the  slow  fires  of  wayward  passion  that  will  char 
and  consume  the  divine  beauties  of  any  soul. 
Give  me  grace  to  watch  over  the  imaginations  of 
my  heart,  lest  in  the  unknown  hour  of  my  weak- 
ness my  secret  thoughts  leap  into  action  and  my 
honor  be  turned  into  shame.  If  any  dear  heart 
has  staked  its  life  and  hopes  on  my  love  and  loy- 
alty, I  beseech  Thee  that  its  joy  and  strength  may 
never  wither  through  my  forgetfulness  or  guilt. 
0  God,  make  me  pure  and  a  helper  to  the  weak. 

66 


FOR      OUR      SPECIAL      NEEDS 

Grant  that  even  the  sins  of  my  past  may  yield 
me  added  wisdom  and  tenderness  to  help  those 
who  are  tempted.  Through  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. — Walter  Rauschenbusch, 


THE  law  of  Jehovah  is  perfect,  restoring  the 
soul: 

The  testimony  of  Jehovah  is  sure,  making  wise 
the  simple. 

The  precepts  of  Jehovah  are  right,  rejoicing  the 
heart : 

The  commandment  of  Jehovah  is  pure,  enlighten- 
ing the  eyes. 

The  fear  of  Jehovah  is  clean,  enduring  forever: 

The  ordinances  of  Jehovah  are  true,  and  right- 
eous altogether. 

More  to  be  desired  are  they  than  gold,  yea,  than 
much  fine  gold; 

Sweeter  also  than  honey  and  the  droppings  of 
the  honeycomb. 

Moreover  by  them  is  thy  servant  warned : 

In  keeping  them  there  is  great  reward. 

Who  can  discern  his  errors? 

Clear  thou  me  from  hidden  faults. 

Keep  back  thy  servant  also  from  presumptuous 
sins; 

67 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

Let  them  not  have  dominion  over  me : 

Then  shall  I  be  upright, 

And  I  shall  be  clear  from  great  transgression. 

Let  the  words  of  my  mouth  and  the  meditation 

of  my  heart 
Be  acceptable  in  thy  sight, 
0  Jehovah,  my  rock,  and  my  redeemer. 

Psalm  19:7-14. 

For  Hatred  of  Sin 

OGOD,  whom  none  can  love  except  they  hate 
the  thing  that  is  evil,  and  who  willedst  by 
Thy  Son  our  Savior  to  redeem  us  from  all 
iniquity:  Deliver  us  when  we  are  tempted  to 
look  on  sin  without  abhorrence,  and  let  the  vir- 
tue of  His  Passion  come  between  us  and  the 
enemy  of  our  souls;  through  the  same  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

Restless  Till  I  Rest  in  Thee 

0  LIGHT  that  burns  and  heals,  0  Love  that 
breaks  and  soothes  the  heart,  0  Life  that 
stirs  and  satisfies;  how  shall  we  endure  Thee? 

We    have    prayed    so    carelessly    that    Thou 
wouldst  show  us  Thy  love,  forgetting  that  angels 

68 


FOR      OUR       SPECIAL       NEEDS 

veil  themselves  before  Thee.  We  have  longed 
to  look  upon  the  beauty  of  Thy  countenance,  not 
considering  whether  anything  would  ever  seem 
so  fair  again.  We  have  sought  to  know  all  mys- 
teries, and  never  stayed  to  ask  if  we  had  forti- 
tude to  bear  the  truth.  We  have  desired  to  fol- 
low after  Christ,  counting  not  His  lonely  way. 
His  utter  sacrifice.  His  broken  heart. 

And  now  we  have  come  at  length  to  apprehend 
what  such  answered  prayers  might  mean,  yet 
with  the  clearer  light  we  dare  to  ask  them  all 
again.  Answer  them  even  though  we  do  not 
fully  know;  for  we  are  tired  of  twilight,  false- 
hood, and  the  easy  way.  Tremblingly  we  place 
ourselves  in  Thy  hands.  Lead  us  by  Thy  love 
into  fuller  light  and  to  more  glorious  life.  Amen. 
~W.  E,  Orchard.'' 

HEAR  my  cry,  0  God; 
Attend  unto  my  prayer. 
From  the  end  of  the  earth  will  I  call  unto  thee, 

when  my  heart  is  overwhelmed: 
Lead  me  to  the  rock  that  is  higher  than  I. 
For  thou  hast  been  a  refuge  for  me, 
A  strong  tower  from  the  enemy. 


^Taken    by    permission    from    "The    Temple,"    by    W.    E.    Orchard, 
copyright    E.    P.    Dutton    and    Company. 

69 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

I  will  dwell  in  thy  tabernacle  forever: 

I  will  take  refuge  in  the  covert  of  thy  wings. 

For  thou,  0  God,  hast  heard  my  vows: 

Thou  hast  given  me  the  heritage  of  those  that 

fear  thy  name.  .    .    . 
So  will  I  sing  praise  unto  thy  name  forever, 
That  I  may  daily  perform  my  vows. 

Psalm  61:1-5,  8. 

My  Heart  Needs  Thee 

MY  heart  needs  Thee,  0  Lord,  my  heart 
needs  Thee!  No  part  of  my  being  needs 
Thee  like  my  heart.  All  else  within  me  can  be 
filled  by  Thy  gifts.  My  hunger  can  be  satis- 
fied by  daily  bread.  My  thirst  can  be  allayed 
by  earthly  waters.  My  cold  can  be  removed  by 
household  fires.  My  weariness  can  be  relieved 
by  outward  rest.  But  no  outward  thing  can 
make  my  heart  pure.  The  calmest  day  will  not 
calm  my  passions.  The  fairest  scene  will  not 
beautify  my  soul.  The  richest  music  will  not 
make  harmony  within.  The  breezes  can  cleanse 
the  air;  but  no  breeze  ever  cleansed  a  spirit. 
This  world  has  not  provided  for  my  heart.  It 
has  provided  for  my  eye;  it  has  provided  for 
my  ear;  it  has  provided  for  my  touch;  it  has 

70 


FOR      OUR      SPECIAL      NEEDS 

provided  for  my  taste;  it  has  provided  for  my 
sense  of  beauty — but  it  has  not  provided  for 
my  heart.  Provide,  Thou,  for  my  heart,  0 
Lord!  It  is  the  only  unwinged  bird  in  all  crea- 
tion; give  it  wings,  0  Lord!  Earth  has  failed 
to  give  it  wings;  its  very  power  of  loving  has 
often  dragged  it  in  the  mire.  Be  Thou  the 
strength  of  my  heart.  Be  Thou  its  fortress  in 
temptation,  its  shield  in  remorse,  its  covert  in 
the  storm,  its  star  in  the  night,  its  voice  in  the 
solitude!  Guide  it  in  its  gloom;  help  it  in  its 
heat;  direct  it  in  its  doubt;  calm  it  in  its  con- 
flict; fan  it  in  its  faintness;  prompt  it  in  its 
perplexity;  lead  it  through  its  labyrinths;  raise 
it  from  its  ruins!  I  cannot  rule  this  heart  of 
mine;  keep  it  under  the  shadow  of  Thine  own 
wings! — George   Matheson. 

Lead,  Kindly  Light 

DIRECT  us,  0  Lord,  in  all  our  doings  with 
Thy  most  gracious  favor,  and  further  us 
with  Thy  continual  help,  that  in  all  our  works 
begun,  continued,  and  ended  in  Thee,  we  may 
glorify  Thy  Holy  Name  and  finally  by  Thy 
mercy  obtain  everlasting  life;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — "Book  of  Common 
Prayer,"  1549. 

71 


THE      ENRICHMENT      OF     PRAYER 

HELP  me,  0  God,  for  my  boat  is  so  small 
and  Thy  ocean  is  so  wide! — Prayer  of  a 
Breton  Fisherman. 

OGOD,  by  whom  the  meek  are  guided  in 
judgment,  and  light  riseth  up  in  darkness 
for  the  godly;  grant  us,  in  all  our  doubts  and 
uncertainties,  the  grace  to  ask  what  Thou 
wouldest  have  us  to  do,  that  the  Spirit  of  wis- 
dom may  save  us  from  all  false  choices,  and 
that  in  Thy  light  we  may  see  light,  and  in  Thy 
straight  path  may  not  stumble;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. — William  Bright,  1824. 

For  Support  and  Wisdom 

MAY  the  power  of  the  Father  govern  me. 
May  the  wisdom  of  the  Son  enlighten  me. 
May  the  operation  of  the  Holy  Spirit  quicken  me. 
0  God,  I  beseech  Thee, 
Guard  my  soul; 
Sustain  my  body; 
Exalt  my  senses; 
Direct  my  course; 
Regulate  my  manners; 
Bless  my  undertakings; 
Fulfil  my  petitions; 
72 


FOR      OUR      SPECIAL      NEEDS 

Inspire  me  with  holy  thoughts; 
Pardon  what  is  past; 
Rectify  what  is  present; 
Ordeir  what  is  to  come.    Amen. 

Bishop  Andrewes,  1555-1626. 

For  Guidance  in  Choosing  Life  Work 

ALMIGHTY  GOD,  who  callest  men  to  divers 
forms  of  service  in  the  world,  reveal  to  me 
the  path  which  Thou  dost  will  me  to  walk  in.  I 
place  my  life  and  all  that  I  am  in  Thy  great 
hand.  Dispose  of  me  and  of  all  that  belongs 
to  me  as  seems  best  to  Thee.  If  I  can  be  of 
use  to  Thee  in  the  sacred  ministry  of  Thy 
Church,  call  me  and  bid  me  forsake  all  for  Thee. 
Attune  my  ear  to  Thy  Voice  that  I  may  hear  the 
call.  Strengthen  my  will  that,  hearing  the  call, 
I  may  forthwith  obey  it.  Let  me  live  my  life 
in  the  power  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit.  Let  me  know 
no  service  but  the  service  of  Thy  dear  Son.  I 
do  not  seek  to  choose  my  path :  I  leave  the  choice 
to  Thee;  but  I  pray  that  it  may  be  such  as  will 
lead  me  at  last  to  Thine  Everlasting  Kingdom; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — George 
Wharton  Pepper^ 

^Taken    from    "The    Way,"    by    G.    W.    Pepper,    by    permission    of 
the    publishers,    Longmans,    Green    and    Company. 

73 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

Sun  of  My  Soul 

FATHER  OF  LIGHT,  Sun  of  the  Soul,  when 
the  shadows  of  twilight  fall  and  darkness 
ends  the  day,  our  thoughts  turn  to  Thee  who 
dwellest  where  night  never  comes.  It  fills  us 
with  quiet  trust  to  know  that  somewhere  the 
truth  is  always  clear,  however  clouded  it  appear 
to  us;  that  there  is  a  light  that  does  not  fade 
when  we  lose  sight  of  it.  Shine  through  the 
mists  of  our  mortality  and  through  the  deeper 
gloom  of  our  sin,  that  the  night  for  us  may  hold 
no  fears. 

If  we  have  lost  our  way  in  douht,  so  that  we 
despair  of  Thee,  may  the  light  that  lighteth  every 
man  shine  the  clearer  within  us  now,  and  in  Thy 
light  may  we  see  light. 

And  if  we  have  turned  aside  to  try  the  ways 
of  darkness  and  death,  and  fear  the  light,  be- 
cause of  what  it  may  reveal,  or  hate  it  because 
our  deeds  are  evil;  yet  leave  us  not,  but  lead  us 
back  by  the  kindly  lights  of  home,  till  in  Thy 
flame  our  sins  are  consumed  and  in  the  light  of 
Thy  countenance  we  rest  in  peace.  Amen. — W. 
E.  Orchard* 


*Taken    by    permission    from    "The    Temple,"    by    W.    E.    Orchard, 
copyright   E.    P.    Dutton    and    Company. 

74 


for     our     special     needs 

If  We  Lack  Wisdom 

OLORD,  we  beseech  Thee  mercifully  to  re- 
ceive the  prayers  of  Thy  people  which 
call  upon  Thee;  and  grant  that  they  may  both 
perceive  and  know  what  things  they  ought  to 
do,  and  also  may  have  grace  and  power  faith- 
fully to  fulfil  the  same;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.  Amen. — '^Gregorian  Sacramentary'* 
590;  "Book  of  Common  Prayer"  1549. 

Love  Never  Fails 

OGOD,  the  God  of  all  goodness  and  of  all 
grace,  Who  art  worthy  of  a  greater  love 
than  we  can  either  give  or  understand;  fill  our 
hearts,  we  beseech  Thee,  with  such  love  toward 
Thee,  that  nothing  may  seem  too  hard  for  us  to 
do  or  to  suffer  in  obedience  to  Thy  will;  and 
grant  that  thus  loving  Thee,  we  may  become 
daily  more  like  unto  Thee,  and  finally  obtain 
the  crown  of  life  which  Thou  hast  promised  to 
those  that  love  Thee;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.    Amen. — Farnham  Hostel  Manual, 


75 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

OGOD  of  love,  Who  hast  given  a  new  com- 
mandment, through  Thine  Only-begotten 
Son,  that  we  should  love  one  another,  even  as 
Thou  didst  love  us,  the  unworthy  and  the  wan- 
dering, and  gavest  Thy  beloved  Son  for  our  life 
and  salvation;  we  pray  Thee,  Lord,  give  to  us, 
Thy  servants,  in  all  time  of  our  life  on  the  earth, 
a  mind  forgetful  of  past  ill-will,  a  pure  con- 
science and  sincere  thoughts,  and  a  heart  to  love 
our  brethren;  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ,  Thy 
Son,  our  Lord  and  only  Savior.  Amen. — 
'' Coptic  Liturgy  of  St.  Cyril,'"  315. 

The  King  of  Love  Our  Shepherd  Is 

T^HOU  hast  taught  us,  0  Lord,  that  all  our 
-*-  doings  without  charity  are  nothing  worth. 
Send  the  Holy  Ghost,  therefore,  and  pour  into 
our  hearts  that  most  excellent  gift  of  charity, 
which  is  the  very  bond  of  peace  and  of  all  vir- 
tues, without  which  whosoever  thinks  that  he 
lives  is  counted  dead  before  Thee.  May  the  sun 
never  rise  or  go  down  on  our  wrath;  but  make 
us  more  largely  partakers  of  the  love  which 
thinketh  no  evil;  but  which  beareth  all  things, 
believeth  all  things,  hopeth  all  things,  endureth 

76 


FOR      OUR      SPECIAL      NEEDS 

all  things,  and  disposeth  us  to  cover  a  multitude 
of  sins;  for  the  sake  of  Him  who  taught  us  to 
forgive  our  enemies,  even  Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son 
our  Lord.    Amen. — Fielding  Ould,  1864. 

ALMIGHTY  GOD,  I  bless  Thee  that  Thy  ban- 
ner over  us  is  love.  Help  us  to  keep  our 
eyes  upon  it.  May  we  fight  under  no  other  ban- 
ner, and  may  all  our  contentions  and  strivings 
be  in  the  spirit  of  Christian  love!  Let  love  be 
kindled  in  my  heart  today,  and  let  it  blaze  and 
burn  for  Thee. — J,  H,  Jowett. 

Whatsoever  Things  Are  True 

ALMIGHTY  GOD,  Who  hast  sent  the  Spirit 
of  truth  unto  us  to  guide  us  into  all  truth; 
so  rule  our  lives  by  Thy  power,  that  we  may  be 
truthful  in  word,  deed,  and  thought.  0  keep  us, 
most  merciful  Savior,  with  Thy  gracious  pro- 
tection, that  no  fear  or  hope  may  ever  make  us 
false  in  act  or  speech.  Cast  out  from  us  what- 
soever loveth  or  maketh  a  lie,  and  bring  us  all 
to  the  perfect  freedom  of  Thy  truth;  through 
Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son  our  Lord.  Amen. — Bishop 
B,  F.  Westcott,  1825-1901. 

77 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

OLORD  GOD,  Who  hast  taught  us  to  pray 
all  together,  and  hast  promised  to  hear 
the  united  voices  of  two  or  three  invoking  Thy 
Name;  hear  now,  0  Lord,  the  prayers  of  Thy 
servants  unto  their  salvation,  and  give  us  in  this 
world  knowledge  of  Thy  Truth,  and  in  the  world 
to  come  life  everlasting;  for  the  sake  of  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. — "Armenian  Liturgy." 

Valiant  for  Truth 

4  LMIGHTY  GOD,  I  pray  that  Thou  wouldst 
^^  lift  my  life  into  the  light.  Let  me  not  be 
contented  to  grope  amid  the  selfish  counsels  of 
men,  but  let  me  march  to  the  commandments  of 
my  God.  Give  me  the  soldierly  spirit  and  the 
soldierly  step,  and  make  me  valiant  for  the  truth. 
— J,  H.  JowetU 

Faithful  Unto  Death 

OLORD,  our  Savior,  Who  hast  warned  us 
that  Thou  wilt  require  much  of  those  to 
whom  much  is  given;  grant  that  we,  whose  lot 
Thou  hast  cast  in  so  goodly  a  heritage,  may 
strive  together  the  more  abundantly  by  prayer, 
by  almsgiving  .  .  .  and  by  every  other  appoint- 

78 


FOR      OUR      SPECIAL      NEEDS 

ed  means,  to  extend  to  others  what  we  so  richly 
enjoy;  and  as  we  have  entered  into  the  labors  of 
other  men,  so  to  labor  that  in  their  turn  other 
men  may  enter  into  ours,  to  the  fulfilment  of 
Thy  holy  will,  and  our  own  everlasting  salva- 
tion; through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — 
"Manual  of  St,  Augustine"  Canterbury. 

OGOD,  who  hast  endowed  us  with  our  sev- 
eral talents,  and  given  to  every  man  his 
work,  strengthen  us,  we  pray  Thee,  by  Thy  grace, 
for  the  faithful  discharge  of  our  duty  in  the 
several  stations  of  life  to  which  Thou  hast  been 
pleased  to  call  us.  Send  Thy  Holy  Spirit  to 
guide  us  along  our  appointed  path,  and  grant 
that  whatsoever  we  do,  we  may  do  in  singleness 
of  heart,  as  unto  Christ.  Enable  us  to  improve 
the  talents,  whether  few  or  many,  which  Thou 
hast  committed  to  our  trust,  and  to  remember 
that  every  day  is  a  day  of  trial.  Help  us  to  be 
diligent  in  business,  patient  and  cheerful  under 
provocation  and  disappointment,  and  temperate 
in  all  things. 

0  Lord,  grant  us  grace  that,  putting  away  all 
bitterness,  and  anger,  and  evil  speaking,  we  may 
be  kind  one  to  another;   and  walk  in  love,  as 

79 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

Christ  also  hath  loved  us.  Preserve  us  in  our 
going  out  and  coming  in,  and  guide  all  our  steps 
in  the  way  of  Thy  Commandments,  for  Jesus 
Christ's  sake.    Amen.— £.  Hawkins,  1789-1882. 

GRACIOUS  GOD,  remember  us,  we  beseech 
Thee,  in  our  work  this  day.  If  it  be  Thy 
will,  give  unto  us  a  prosperous  day.  May  all 
our  work  be  well  done.  May  we  turn  nothing 
out  half  done.  May  we  glorify  Thee  by  honest 
good  work;  for  the  sake  of  Him  who  completed 
His  work  for  us,  even  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. — /.  H,  Jowett, 

Now  Abideth  .  .  .  Hope 

FATHER,  teach  us  the  lesson  of  victory.  We 
yield  too  easily  to  things  that  try  us.  We 
are  too  easily  disheartened.  We  do  not  trust 
Thee  enough  when  the  way  is  hard.  Help  us 
to  enter  into  the  victory  of  Jesus  Christ,  who 
overcame  the  world,  and  in  whom  we,  too,  can 
overcome  the  world.  Save  us  from  discourage- 
ment which  so  often  leads  to  doubt  and  to  the 
loss  of  joy  and  hope.  Let  us  not  be  discouragers 
of  others.  Help  us  wherever  we  go  to  carry 
gladness,  cheer,  inspiration,  and  hope,  so  that 

80 


FOR      OUR      SPECIAL      NEEDS 

all  who  meet  us  will  be  stronger  and  braver 
for  the  meeting.  We  ask  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.    Amen. — J,  R,  Miller, 


T^EACH  us,  0  gracious  Lord,  to  begin  our 
-*-  works  with  fear,  to  go  on  with  obedience, 
and  to  finish  them  in  love,  and  then  to  wait 
patiently  in  hope,  and  with  cheerful  confidence 
to  look  up  to  Thee,  whose  promises  are  faithful 
and  rewards  infinite;  through  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. — Bishop  George  Hickes,  1642-1715. 

For  Love  and  Perseverance 

TTEAVENLY  FATHER,  may  we  this  day  be 
-*-  -*-  followers  of  Thee,  walking  in  love,  even  as 
Christ  also  has  loved  us.  Grant  us  grace  to  draw 
water  with  joy  out  of  the  wells  of  salvation. 
Thus  refreshed  may  we  run  with  patience  the 
Christian  race,  and  fight  the  good  fight  of  faith. 
Make  us  to  abound  in  every  good  word  and 
work.  Keep  us  humble,  thankful,  and  watchful 
to  the  end.  .   .   .  Amen. — Dean  Goulburn,  1818. 


81 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

Straight  Is  the  Way 

OGOD,  who  hast  commanded  that  no  man 
should  be  idle,  give  us  grace  to  employ  all 
our  talents  and  faculties  in  the  service  appointed 
to  us;  that,  whatsoever  our  hand  lindeth  to  do, 
we  may  do  it  with  our  might.  Cheerfully  may 
we  go  on  in  the  road  which  Thou  hast  marked 
out,  not  desiring  too  earnestly  that  it  should  be 
either  more  smooth  or  more  wide;  but,  daily 
seeking  our  way  by  Thy  light,  may  we  trust  our- 
selves and  the  issue  of  our  journey  to  Thee,  the 
Fountain  of  Joy,  and  sing  songs  of  praise  as  we 
go  along.  Then,  0  Lord,  receive  us  at  the  gate 
of  life  which  Thou  hast  opened  for  us  in  Christ 
Jesus.  Amen. — Martineaus  '^Common  Prayer 
for  Christian  Worship." 

For  the  Thoughts  of  Our  Hearts 

/^  LORD,  from  whom  all  good  things  do 
^-^  come;  Grant  to  us,  Thy  humble  servants, 
that  by  Thy  holy  inspiration  we  may  think  those 
things  that  be  good,  and  by  Thy  merciful  guiding 
may  perform  the  same  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.  Amen. — "Gelasian  Sacramentary"  494; 
''Book  of  Common  Prayer/'  1549. 

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FOR      OUR      SPECIAL      NEEDS 

For  Patience 

GIVE  unto  us,  Lord  Jesus,  grace  to  be  meek 
and  patient  as  Thou  wast,  that  we  may 
gently  bear  with  the  faults  of  others,  and  strive 
always  to  root  out  our  own.  For  Thy  sake. 
Amen.~"2'Ae  Narrow  Way,"  1869. 

For  the  Spirit  of  Helpfulness 

CRD,  let  me  not  live  to  be  useless! — John 
Wesley,  1703-1791. 

Nearer,  My  God,  to  Thee 

LORD,  keep  us  ever  near  to  Thee,  let  nothing 
separate  us  from  Thee,  let  nothing  keep  us 
back  from  Thee.  If  we  fall,  bring  us  back  quick- 
ly to  Thee,  and  make  us  hope  in  Thee,  trust  in 
Thee,  love  Thee  everlastingly;  through  Jesus 
Christ.    Amen.— £:.  B,  Pusey,  1800-1882. 

OTHOU,  0  God!  Do  Thou,  my  God,  stand 
by  me,  against  all  the  world's  wisdom  and 
reason.  .  .  .  Not  mine  but  Thine  is  the  cause. 
...  I  would  prefer  to  have  peaceful  days,  and 
to  be  out  of  this  turmoil.  But  Thine,  O  Lord, 
is  this  cause;  it  is  righteous  and  eternal.    Stand 

83 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

by  me,  Thou  true  Eternal  God!  In  no  man  do 
I  trust.  .  .  .  Stand  by  me,  0  God,  in  the  name 
of  Thy  dear  Son,  Jesus  Christ,  who  shall  be  my 
Defence  and  Shelter,  yea,  my  Mighty  Fortress, 
through  the  might  and  strength  of  Thy  Holy 
Spirit.  .   .   .  Amen. — Martin  Luther,  1483-1546. 

More  Than  All  in  Thee  I  Find 

T  AM  forced,  good  Father,  to  seek  Thee  daily, 
•*•  and  Thou  offerest  Thyself  daily  to  be 
found:  whensoever  I  seek,  I  find  Thee,  in  my 
house,  in  the  fields,  in  the  temple,  and  in  the 
highway.  Whatsoever  I  do.  Thou  art  with  me; 
whether  I  eat  or  drink,  whether  I  write  or  work, 
go  to  ride,  read,  meditate,  or  pray.  Thou  art 
ever  with  me;  wheresoever  I  am,  or  whatsoever 
I  do,  I  feel  some  measure  of  Thy  mercies  and 
love.  If  I  be  oppressed.  Thou  defendest  me;  if 
I  be  envied.  Thou  guardest  me;  if  I  hunger.  Thou 
feedest  me;  whatsoever  I  want  Thou  givest  me. 
0  continue  this  Thy  lovingkindness  toward  me 
forever,  that  all  the  world  may  see  Thy  power. 
Thy  mercy,  and  Thy  love,  wherein  Thou  hast  not 
failed  me,  and  even  my  enemies  shall  see  that 
Thy  mercies  endure  forever. — J,  Nor  den,  1548- 
1625. 

84 


FOR      OUR      SPECIAL      NEEDS 

Jesus  est  Rex 

OLORD,  come  quickly  and  reign  on  Thy 
throne,  for  now  oft-times  something  rises 
up  within  me,  and  tries  to  take  possession  of 
Thy  throne;  pride,  covetousness,  uncleanness, 
and  sloth  want  to  be  my  kings;  and  then  evil- 
speaking,  anger,  hatred,  and  the  whole  train  of 
vices  join  with  me  in  warring  against  myself, 
and  try  to  reign  over  me.  I  resist  them,  I  cry 
out  against  them,  and  say,  "I  have  no  other  king 
than  Christ."  0  King  of  Peace,  come  and  reign 
in  me,  for  I  will  have  no  king  but  Thee !  Amen. 
—St,  Bernard,  1091-1153. 

Dedication  to  Christ 

USE  me  then,  my  Savior,  for  whatever  pur- 
pose, and  in  whatever  way.  Thou  mayest 
require.  Here  is  my  poor  heart,  an  empty  ves- 
sel ;  fill  it  with  Thy  grace.  Here  is  my  sinful  and 
troubled  soul ;  quicken  it  and  refresh  it  with  Thy 
love.  Take  my  heart  for  Thine  abode;  my 
mouth  to  spread  abroad  the  glory  of  Thy  name; 
my  love  and  all  my  powers,  for  the  advancement 
of  Thy  believing  people;  and  never  suffer  the 
steadfastness  and  confidence  of  my  faith  to  abate 

85 


THE      ENRICHMENT      OF     PRAYER 

— that  so  at  all  times  I  may  be  enabled  from 
the  heart  to  say,  "Jesus  needs  me,  and  I  Him." — 
D.  L.  Moody,  1837-1899. 

TTEAVENLY  FATHER!  We  pray  that  Jesus 
-■--*-  Christ  may  become  dearer  to  us.  May  we 
love  him  as  a  personal  Friend,  and  hide  our- 
selves in  the  hourly  consciousness  of  His  pres- 
ence. May  we  have  no  taste  or  desire  for  things 
which  He  would  disapprove.  Let  His  love  con- 
strain us  not  to  live  unto  ourselves,  but  to  Him. 
~F.  B,  Meyer, 

He  Went  in  to  Tarry  with  Them 

GRACIOUS  LORD,  we  remember  that  Thou 
didst  accompany  Thy  two  disciples  as  they 
journeyed  to  Emmaus.  We,  too,  have  a  journey, 
we  have  a  weary  pilgrimage  to  perform.  Our 
Emmaus  is  a  distant  though  happy  land.  Do 
Thou  go  with  us,  0  Lord:  be  our  Fellow-travel- 
er; guide  us,  uphold  us,  strengthen  us,  make  our 
hearts  to  burn  within  us,  and  evermore  manifest 
Thou  Thyself  to  our  souls  in  gracious  and  in 
heavenly  power;  for  Thy  own  Name's  sake  we 
ask  it.    Amen. — Ven,  Archdeacon  of  Raphoe. 

86 


FOR      OUR       SPECIAL       NEEDS 
For  the  Spirit  of  Christ  in  Our  Lives 

r\  THOU  Who  art  the  Life  of  all  that  lives, 
^^  the  Strength  of  the  weak,  and  the  Hope  of 
those  that  be  cast  down,  inform  our  minds  with 
Thy  Truth,  we  beseech  Thee,  and  our  hearts  with 
righteousness;  strengthen  our  wills  to  choose  the 
good  and  to  refuse  the  evil ;  help  us  to  bear  each 
other's  burdens,  to  forgive  one  another's  faults, 
and  to  forbear  with  every  defect  of  judgment  and 
of  temper  in  those  with  whom  we  live  and  who 
daily  help  us.  Grant  this  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.    Amen. — Professor  Knight, 

WE  beseech  Thee,  our  most  gracious  God, 
preserve  us  from  the  cares  of  this  life,  lest 
we  should  be  too  much  entangled  therein;  also 
from  the  many  necessities  of  the  body,  lest  we 
should  be  ensnared  by  pleasure;  and  from  what- 
soever is  an  obstacle  to  the  soul,  lest,  being 
broken  with  troubles,  we  should  be  overthrown. 
Give  us  strength  to  resist,  patience  to  endure,  and 
constancy  to  persevere;  for  the  sake  of  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord  and  Savior.  Amen. — Thomas  a 
Kempis,  1379-1471. 


87 


THE      ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

LORD,  we  pray  not  for  tranquillity,  nor  that 
our  tribulations  may  cease;   we  pray  for 
Thy  Spirit  and  Thy  Love,  that  Thou  grant  us 
strength    and    grace    to     overcome    adversity; 
through  Jesus  Christ.    Amen. — Girolamo  Savon- 
arola, 1452-1498. 

OGOD,  Who  hast  commanded  all  men  to 
love  Thee,  and  hast  drawn  them  to  Thy- 
self by  Thy  mercy  and  goodness;  fill  our  hearts 
with  the  love  of  Thee.  We  are  weak  and  sinful, 
and  cannot  love  Thee  enough  without  Thy  help. 
All  our  desire  is  to  give  Thee  the  service  of 
loving  hearts  all  the  days  of  our  life,  and  to  love 
Thee  throughout  the  ages  of  eternity;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — ''The  Narrow 
Way;'  1869. 

Not  My  Will  But  Thine 

0  HEAVENLY  FATHER,  subdue  in  us 
whatever  is  contrary  to  Thy  holy  will. 
Grant  that  we  may  ever  study  to  know  Thy  will, 
that  we  may  know  how  to  please  Thee.  Grant, 
O  God,  that  we  may  never  run  into  those  tempta- 
tions which  in  our  prayers  we  desire  to  avoid. 
Lord,  never  permit  our  trials  to  be  above  our 

88 


FOR      OUR      SPECIAL      NEEDS 

strength;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 
— Bishop  Thomas  Wilson,  1663-1755. 

MAY  we  be  kept  humble  and  zealous,  and 
may  God  give  us  grace  to  labor  in  our 
generation  for  the  good  of  our  brethren  and  for 
His  glory.  May  He  keep  us  His  by  night  and 
day,  and  strengthen  us  to  hear  and  do  His  will; 
through  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. — Thomas  Arnold, 
1795-1839. 

For  Zeal  and  Earnestness 

0  ALMIGHTY  GODand  heavenly  Father,  Who 
by  Thy  Divine  Providence  hast  appointed 
for  each  one  of  us  our  work  in  life,  and  hast 
commanded  that  we  should  not  be  slothful  in 
business,  but  fervent  in  spirit,  serving  Thee; 
help  us  always  to  remember  that  our  work  is 
Thy  appointment,  and  to  do  it  heartily  as  unto 
Thee.  Preserve  us  from  slothfulness,  and  make 
us  to  live  with  loins  girded  and  lamps  burning, 
that  whensoever  our  Lord  may  come,  we  may  be 
found  striving  earnestly  to  finish  the  work  that 
Thou  hast  given  us  to  do ;  through  the  same  Jesus 
Christ  our  Savior,  Amen. — Dean  Goulburn, 
1818. 

89 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

OLORD  OF  HOSTS,  Who  hast  given  us  our 
station  and  our  weapons  in  Thine  army 
for  the  warfare  of  this  life,  setting  comrades 
beside  us  and  sending  Jesus  Christ  before  us; 
make  us  to  feel  the  glory  and  strength  of  Thy 
victorious  advance  and  to  hear  the  triumph  song 
where  Christ  marches  at  the  head  of  His  saints, 
conquering,  and  to  conquer;  for  His  sake.  Amen. 
— "Indian  Prayer  Cycle'^ 

They  Looked  Unto  Him  and  Were  Radiant 

OLORD  JESUS  CHRIST,  Who  didst  humble 
Thyself  to  become  man,  and  to  be  born 
into  the  world  for  our  salvation,  teach  us  the 
grace  of  humility,  root  out  of  our  hearts  all 
pride  and  haughtiness,  and  so  fashion  us  after 
Thy  holy  likeness  in  this  world,  that  in  the  world 
to  come  we  may  be  made  like  unto  Thee;  for 
Thine  own  Name  and  mercies'  sake.  Amen. — 
Bishop  Walsham  How,  1823-1897. 

Ambassadors  for  Christ 

OUR  Father,  may  the  world  not  mould  us  to- 
day, but  may  we  be  so  strong  as  to  help  to 
mould  the  world ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. — /.  H,  Joivett. 

90 


FOR      OUR       SPECIAL      NEEDS 

ALL  this  day,  0  Lord,  let  me  touch  as  many 
lives  as  possible  for  Thee.  And  every  life 
I  touch  do  Thou  by  Thy  Holy  Spirit  quicken, 
whether  through  the  word  I  speak  or  the  life  I 
live.    In  Christ's  name.    Amen. 


The  Hard  Right  Against  the  Easy  Wrong 

GIVE  me  clean  hands,  clean  words,  and  clean 
thoughts.  Help  me  to  stand  for  the  hard 
right  against  the  easy  wrong.  Save  me  from 
habits  that  harm.  Teach  me  to  work  as  hard  and 
play  as  fair  in  Thy  sight  alone  as  if  all  the  world 
saw.  Forgive  me  when  I  am  unkind,  and  help 
me  to  forgive  those  who  are  unkind  to  me.  Keep 
me  ready  to  help  others  at  some  cost  to  myself. 
Send  me  chances  to  do  a  little  good  every  day, 
and  so  grow  more  like  Christ.  Amen. — William 
DeWitt  Hyde, 

MAKE  me,  0  blessed  Master,  strong  in  heart, 
full  of  courage,  fearless  of  danger,  hold- 
ing pain  and  danger  cheap  when  they  lie  in  the 
path  of  duty.  May  I  be  strengthened  with  all 
might  by  Thy  Spirit  in  the  inner  man. — F.  B. 
Meyer. 

91 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

For  the  Spirit  of  Service 

OLORD,  give  us  more  charity,  more  self- 
denial,  more  likeness  to  Thee.  Teach  us 
to  sacrifice  our  comforts  to  others,  and  our 
likings  for  the  sake  of  doing  good.  Make  us 
kindly  in  thought,  gentle  in  word,  generous  in 
deed.  Teach  us  that  it  is  better  to  give  than  to 
receive,  better  to  forget  ourselves  than  to  put 
ourselves  forward,  better  to  minister  than  to  be 
ministered  unto.  And  unto  Thee,  the  God  of 
Love,  be  glory  and  praise  forever.  Amen. — 
Henry  Alford,  1810-1871. 

HEAVENLY  FATHER,  make  me  like  Him 
who,  though  He  was  rich,  yet  for  our 
sakes  became  poor,  that  many,  through  His  pov- 
erty, might  be  made  rich.  Help  me  to  deny 
myself,  so  as  to  give  joy  and  comfort  to  those 
less  favored  than  I  am;  and  may  I  learn  how 
much  more  blessed  it  is  to  give  than  to  receive. — 
F.  B.  Meyer, 

OLORD,  give  us  more  charity,  more  self- 
denial,  more  likeness  to  Thee.  Teach  us 
to  sacrifice  our  comforts  to  others,  and  our  lik- 
ings  for   the   sake   of   doing   good.      Make   us 

92 


FOR      OUR      SPECIAL      NEEDS 

kindly  in  thought,  gentle  in  word,  generous  in 
deed.  Teach  us  that  it  is  better  to  give  than  to 
receive;  better  to  forget  ourselves  than  to  put 
ourselves  forward;  better  to  minister  than  to  be 
ministered  unto.  And  unto  Thee,  the  God  of 
Love,  be  glory  and  praise  forever.  Amen. — 
Henry  Alford,  1810-1871. 


93 


PRAYERS  FOR  OTHERS  AND  THANKS- 
GIVINGS 


VII 

PRAYERS  FOR  OTHERS  AND  THANKS- 
GIVINGS 

FOR  this  cause  I  bow  my  knees  unto  the 
Father  ,  ,  .  that  he  would  grant  you,  ac- 
cording to  the  riches  of  his  glory,  that  ye  may 
be  strengthened  with  power  through  his  Spirit 
in  the  inward  man;  that  Christ  may  dwell  in 
your  hearts  through  faith;  to  the  end  that  ye, 
being  rooted  and  grounded  in  love,  may  be 
strong  to  apprehend  with  all  the  saints  what  is 
the  breadth  and  length  and  height  and  depth, 
and  to  know  the  love  of  Christ  which  passeth 
knowledge,  that  ye  may  be  filled  unto  all  the 
fulness  of  God. 

Now  unto  him  that  is  able  to  do  exceeding 
abundantly  above  all  that  we  ask  or  think,  ac- 
cording to  the  power  that  worketh  in  us,  unto 
him  be  the  glory  in  the  church  and  in  Christ 
Jesus  unto  all  generations  forever  and  ever. 
AiciQTi.—Eph.  3:14,  16-21. 


97 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

Master,  Let  Me  Walk  with  Thee 

WE  beseech  Thee,  Lord  and  Master,  to  be 
our  help  and  succor.  Save  those  among 
us  who  are  in  tribulation;  have  mercy  on  the 
lonely ;  lift  up  the  fallen ;  show  Thyself  unto  the 
needy;  heal  the  ungodly;  convert  the  wanderers 
of  Thy  people;  feed  the  hungry;  raise  up  the 
weak;  comfort  the  faint-hearted.  Let  all  the 
peoples  know  that  Thou  art  God  alone,  and  Jesus 
Christ  is  Thy  Son,  and  we  are  Thy  people  and 
the  sheep  of  Thy  pasture;  for  the  sake  of  Christ 
Jesus.    Amen. — St.  Clement  of  Rome,  30-95. 

ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  Father,  Who 
hast  taught  us  not  to  think  of  ourselves 
only,  but  also  for  the  wants  of  others;  we  re- 
member before  Thee  all  who  are  burdened  and 
oppressed,  those  whose  hopes  have  been 
crushed  and  whose  purposes  are  overthrown.  We 
remember  all  who  are  afflicted  by  poverty,  or 
worn  down  by  disease  or  illness,  the  weary  and 
the  heavy-laden,  those  also  who  are  in  darkness 
or  despair,  or  who  are  suffering  for  righteous- 
ness' sake.  Help  them  all  to  rest  in  Thee; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — Pro- 
fessor Knight. 


PRAYERS     AND     THANKSGIVINGS 

When  Wilt  Thou  Save  the  People? 

OTHOU  who  art  Love,  and  Who  seest  all 
the  suffering,  injustice,  and  misery  which 
reign  in  this  world;  have  pity,  we  implore  Thee, 
on  the  work  of  Thy  hands.  Look  mercifully 
upon  the  poor,  the  oppressed,  and  all  who  are 
heavy  laden  with  error,  labor,  and  sorrow.  Fill 
our  hearts  with  deep  compassion  for  those  who 
suffer,  and  hasten  the  coming  of  Thy  Kingdom 
of  justice  and  truth.  Amen. — Eugene  Bersier, 
1831. 

For  Their  Sakes  I  Sanctify  Myself 

BLESSED  LORD,  who  for  our  sakes  wast 
content  to  bear  sorrow  and  want  and  death ; 
grant  unto  us  such  a  measure  of  Thy  Spirit  that 
we  may  follow  Thee  in  all  self-denial  and  ten- 
derness of  soul.  Help  us,  by  Thy  great  love,  to 
succor  the  afflicted,  to  relieve  the  needy  and  des- 
titute, to  share  the  burden  of  the  heavy-laden, 
and  ever  to  see  Thee  in  all  the  poor  and  deso- 
late.   Amen. 


99 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

For  Those  in  Poverty  and  the  Wayward 

OLORD  JESUS,  Who  didst  choose  to  be 
poor  rather  than  rich,  have  mercy  on  all 
who  are  in  need  and  want.  Comfort  them  in 
all  sorrows,  supply  their  needs,  raise  up  friends 
for  them,  and  give  them  grace  to  learn  of  Thee, 
and  always  to  put  their  trust  in  Thy  help.  Have 
mercy,  0  blessed  Savior,  on  all  who  are  living 
in  sin,  all  who  pray  not  for  themselves  and  who 
care  not  for  their  own  souls.  Turn  them  to  Thy- 
self, and  teach  them  to  look  to  the  things  which 
belong  to  their  peace  before  they  are  hidden 
from  their  eyes;  for  Thy  sake.  Who  died  to  save 
us  all.     Amen.— 'TAe  Narrow  Way,"  1869. 

Deliverance  for  the  Peoples 

MERCIFUL  FATHER,  to  whom  all  sons  of 
men  are  dear,  we  pray  for  all  that  sit  in 
darkness  and  in  the  shadow  of  death,  that  the 
Dayspring  from  on  high  may  visit  them;  for 
the  poor  and  oppressed,  for  those  who  dwell 
amid  ugliness  and  squalor,  far  from  loveliness 
and  purity,  and  for  whom  the  fire-gemmed 
heavens  shine  in  vain ;  for  those  who  toil  beyond 
their  strength  and  beyond  Thine  ordinance,  with- 

100 


PRAYERS     AND     THANKSGIVINGS 

out  pleasure  in  the  work  of  their  hands,  and 
without  help  of  rest;  for  those  who  sink  back  to 
the  beast  and  seek  to  drown  all  thought  and 
feeling,  and  for  all  who  are  trampled  under 
foot  by  men.  Raise  up  deliverance  for  the 
peoples. 

For  those  who  in  their  plenty  live  delicately, 
contemn  the  poor,  and  forget  God;  for  all  peo- 
ple whose  hearts  are  so  perished  within  them 
that  pity  has  departed.  Show  them  Thy  ways. 
Amen. — W.  E.  Orchard.^ 

For  the  Universal  Church 

GRACIOUS  FATHER,  we  humbly  beseech 
Thee  for  Thy  Universal  Church.  Fill  it 
with  all  truth,  in  all  truth  with  all  peace.  Where 
it  is  corrupt,  purge  it;  and  where  it  is  in  error, 
direct  it;  where  it  is  superstitious,  rectify  it; 
where  anything  is  amiss,  reform  it;  where  it  is 
right,  strengthen  and  confirm  it;  where  it  is  in 
want,  furnish  it;  where  it  is  divided  and  rent 
asunder,  make  up  the  breaches  thereof,  0  Thou 
holy  One  of  Israel;  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord  and  Savior.  Amen. — Archbishop 
Laud,  1573-1645. 

^Taken    by    permission    from    "The    Temple,"   by    W.    E.    Orchard, 
copyright    E.    P.    Dutton    and    Company. 

101 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

OGOD,  who  biddest  us  dwell  with  one  mind 
in  Thine  house;  of  Thy  mercy  put  away 
from  us  all  that  causeth  us  to  differ,  that 
through  Thy  bountiful  goodness  we  may  keep 
the  unity  of  the  Spirit  in  the  bond  of  peace; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — E,  B, 
Pusey,  1800-1882. 

OGOD,  we  pray  for  thy  Church,  which  is 
set  today  amid  the  perplexities  of  a  chang- 
ing order,  and  face  to  face  with  a  great  new 
task.  We  remember  with  love  the  nurture  she 
gave  to  our  spiritual  life  in  its  infancy,  the  tasks 
she  set  for  our  growing  strength,  the  influence 
of  the  devoted  hearts  she  gathers,  the  steadfast 
power  for  good  she  has  exerted.  When  we  com- 
pare her  with  all  other  human  institutions,  we 
rejoice,  for  there  is  none  like  her.  But  when  we 
judge  her  by  the  mind  of  her  Master,  we  bow  in 
pity  and  contrition.  Oh,  baptize  her  afresh  in 
the  life-giving  spirit  of  Jesus!  Grant  her  a  new 
birth,  though  it  be  with  the  travail  of  repentance 
and  humiliation.  Bestow  upon  her  a  more  im- 
perious responsiveness  to  duty,  a  swifter  com- 
passion with  suffering,  and  an  utter  loyalty  to 
the  will  of  God.    Put  upon  her  lips  the  ancient 

102 


PRAYERS     AND     THANKSGIVINGS 

gospel  of  her  Lord.  Help  her  to  proclaim  boldly 
the  coming  of  the  Kingdom  of  God  and  the  doom 
of  all  that  resist  it.  Fill  her  with  the  prophets' 
scorn  of  tyranny,  and  with  a  Christ-like  tender- 
ness for  the  heavy-laden  and  down-trodden.  Give 
her  faith  to  espouse  the  cause  of  the  people,  and 
in  their  hands  that  grope  after  freedom  and  light 
to  recognize  the  bleeding  hands  of  the  Christ. 
.  .  .  Make  her  valiant  to  give  up  her  life  to 
humanity,  that  like  her  crucified  Lord  she  may 
mount  by  the  path  of  the  cross  to  a  higher  glory. 
— Walter  Rauschenhusch. 


For  Christian  Workers 

ALMIGHTY  GOD,  pour  Thy  Holy  Spirit 
upon  all  who  are  giving  their  lives  to  Thy 
work.  0  Lord,  take  their  minds  and  think 
through  them;  take  their  lips  and  speak  through 
them;  take  their  hearts  and  set  them  on  fire  with 
love  to  Thee.  Hear  our  prayer,  0  Lord  of  the 
harvest,  and  send  forth  more  laborers  into  Thy 
harvest,  in  Jesus'  name.    Amen. 


103 


the    enrichment    of    prayer 

For  Laborers  in  the  Mission  Field 

0  GREAT  Lord  of  the  harvest,  send  forth, 
we  beseech  Thee,  laborers  into  the  harvest 
of  the  world,  that  the  grain  which  is  even  now 
ripe  may  not  fall  and  perish  through  our  neg- 
lect. Pour  forth  Thy  sanctifying  Spirit  on  our 
fellow  Christians  abroad,  and  Thy  converting 
grace  on  those  who  are  living  in  darkness.  Raise 
up,  we  beseech  Thee,  a  devout  ministry  among 
the  native  believers,  that,  all  Thy  people  being 
knit  together  in  one  body,  in  love,  Thy  Church 
may  grow  up  into  the  measure  of  the  stature 
of  the  fulness  of  Christ;  through  Him  Who  died, 
and  rose  again  for  us  all,  the  same  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.    Amen. — Bishop  Milman,  1816-1868. 

OGOD,  who  didst  send  a  glorious  company 
of  the  heavenly  host  to  proclaim  the  birth 
of  Thy  blessed  Son  upon  earth;  spread,  we  be- 
seech Thee,  the  knowledge  of  His  name  through 
all  the  world.  Oh,  that  Thy  way  may  be  known 
upon  earth,  Thy  saving  health  among  all  na- 
tions! Hasten  Thy  work,  0  God;  raise  up  labor- 
ers, and  strengthen  their  hands,  that  they  may 
tell  of  salvation  unto  the  ends  of  the  world. 
Bless  with  the  mighty  aid  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit 

104 


PRAYERS     AND     THANKSGIVINGS 

those  who  now  work  to  the  glory  of  Thy  name 
in  distant  lands.  Give  them  faithfulness  and 
courage,  and  take  out  of  their  way  all  hin- 
drances. Forward  the  time,  0  Lord,  for  the 
coming  of  Thy  kingdom,  and  for  the  gathering 
in  of  all  nations  unto  Thee.  And,  while  we 
pray  for  the  outward  growth  of  Thy  kingdom 
in  the  world,  we  pray  also  for  its  inward  growth 
in  the  hearts  of  men.  And  especially,  O  Lord, 
for  our  own  Church  and  country  we  pray  that 
true  religion  may  abound  unto  all  righteousness 
and  peace;  through  Thy  only  Son,  our  Savior, 
Jesus  Christ.  Amen. — Bishop  Walsham  How, 
1823-1897. 


0  BLESSED  Lord  and  God,  who  hast  never 
left  Thyself  without  witnesses  of  Thy 
goodness  and  power,  we  beseech  Thee  now  and 
evermore  to  thrust  forth  laborers  into  Thy  har- 
vest fields.  Sanctify  them,  we  pray  Thee,  with 
the  Holy  Ghost;  teach  them  to  endure  hardness; 
give  them  perfect  mastery  over  the  flesh,  a  sanc- 
tified spirit,  and  a  ready  desire  to  do  Thy  Will; 
gird  them  with  Thy  Truth;  make  their  hearts 
burn  with  Thy  Word;  and  arm  them  with  faith 
as  a  shield;  that  watching  for  Thee,  and  labor- 

105 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

ing  for  Thee  till  Thou  return  again,  they  may 
enter  with  the  crown  of  their  rejoicing  into  the 
joy  of  their  Lord;  to  Whom  with  the  Father  and 
the  Holy  Ghost,  be  all  honor  and  glory,  world 
without  end.  Amen. — Adapted  from  Church 
Missionary  Society. 

The  Far-Flung  Battle  Line 

0  HEAVENLY  FATHER,  we  pray  Thee  to 
bless  and  protect  Thy  servants  who  have 
gone  forth  to  preach  the  Gospel  in  distant  lands; 
give  them  such  success  in  their  labors  that  Thy 
way  may  be  known  upon  earth.  Thy  saving 
health  among  all  nations.  Hear  and  grant  this 
our  prayer,  0  God,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ, 
our  blessed  Lord  and  Savior.    Amen. 

OGOD,  Who  by  Thy  Son  Jesus  Christ  didst 
charge  Thine  Apostles  to  preach  the  Gos- 
pel to  every  creature;  prosper,  we  pray  Thee,  all 
missions  of  Thy  Church.  Send  forth  laborers 
into  Thy  vineyard,  and  bestow  upon  them  all 
things  needful  for  their  work.  Grant  them  wis- 
dom in  all  difficulties,  help  in  trouble,  the  sense 
of  Thy  Presence  in  loneliness,  and,  if  it  be  Thy 

106 


PRAYERS    AND    THANKSGIVINGS 

will,  visible  success  after  labor,  that  Thy  holy 
Name  may  be  glorified;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord  and  Savior.    Amen. — Guild  of  St.  Paul, 

For  a  Right  Use  of  Wealth 

OLORD  JESUS  CHRIST,  Who  for  our  sakes 
didst  become  poor,  we  pray  Thee  to  pro- 
tect them  that  are  rich  in  this  world,  that  they 
may  be  not  high-minded,  nor  trust  in  uncertain 
riches,  but  in  Thee,  the  living  God,  Who  givest 
us  richly  all  things  to  enjoy.  Grant  them  grace 
so  to  use  their  wealth  that  they  may  do  good, 
and  be  rich  in  good  works,  ready  to  distribute 
and  willing  to  communicate;  laying  up  in  store 
for  themselves  a  good  foundation  against  the 
time  to  come,  that  they  may  lay  hold  on  eternal 
life;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — 
"Sursum  Cordu" 

And  with  All  Thy  Mind 

lYJOST  Holy  Father,  we  thank  Thee  for  the 
-^^-■-  inner  kingdom  of  the  mind,  for  the 
glories  which  eye  hath  not  seen  nor  ear  heard. 
We  thank  Thee  for  Thy  footprints  in  creation 
and  for  Thy  glory  in  the  face  of  man.    Save  us, 

107 


THE      ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

we  pray,  from  all  sins  of  intellect ;  not  only  from 
the  error  and  ignorance  which  belong  to  our 
frailty,  but  from  prejudice  and  all  unreason, 
from  mental  insincerity,  from  lack  of  rational 
control,  and  from  blasphemy  against  the  Holy 
Spirit.  Help  us  through  sincerity,  single-mind- 
edness,  and  enthusiasm  to  enter  the  kingdom  that 
is  open  to  all  believers. 

Give  us,  above  all,  grace  and  endurance  to 
plant  Thy  kingdom  in  the  world  in  which  we 
live,  by  love  of  truth,  by  striving  after  justice, 
by  following  fearless  wherever  light  may  lead, 
and  by  giving  ourselves,  if  needs  be,  even  unto 
death.     Amen. — W.  E.  Orchard,^ 


HEAVENLY  FATHER,  I  pray  that  Thou 
wouldst  enrich  my  mind  by  the  revelations 
of  Thy  truth.  Let  me  day  by  day  find  new  en- 
ergy in  the  Sacred  Word.  Deliver  me  from  all 
small  thinking  which  will  impair  my  character 
and  impoverish  the  labors  of  my  life.  Let  me 
have  the  mind  of  Christ. — /.  H.  Jowett, 


^aken    by    permission    from    "The    Temple,"    by    W.    E.    Orchard, 
copyright    E.    P.    Dutton    and    Company. 

108 


PRAYERS    AND     THANKSGIVINGS 
For  Colleges 

"P^SERVE,  0  Lord,  our  colleges  as  the  bul- 
-*-  warks  of  Thy  Church,  and  root  out  of  them 
whatever  is  contrary  to  faith  and  morals;  but 
chiefly  revive  in  them  such  a  spirit  of  devotion, 
that  they  may  send  forth  many  to  the  work  of 
Thy  Church  at  home  and  abroad,  loving  Thee 
with  a  pure  love  and  resolved  to  offer  themselves 
a  sacrifice  to  Thee  in  winning  others  to  Thy 
love;  through  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. — ''Interces- 
sory ManuaL" 

For  a  School 

A  LMIGHTY  GOD,  I  beseech  Thee  so  to  bless 
-^-^  this  school  that  in  future  years  we  may 
never  regret  the  time  spent  here.  Pour  down 
an  abundance  of  Thy  grace,  that  those  who 
teach  may  influence  us  aright,  and  that  we  may 
behave  with  respect  and  submission  toward  them. 
Banish  from  us  all  bitterness  and  impatience; 
and  grant  that  both  teachers  and  scholars  may 
work  together  for  the  good  of  each  other,  and 
to  Thy  honor  and  glory;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.     Amen. 


109 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

/^  GOD,  we  pray  Thee  to  send  Thy  blessing 
^^  upon  this  school,  and  grant  that  by  the 
help  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit  we  may  strive  with 
one  heart  and  mind  to  make  this  a  place  more 
and  more  pleasing  to  Thee,  for  the  honor  and 
glory  of  Thy  Son  our  Savior,  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. 
—F,  H.  Sill 

0  HEAVENLY  FATHER,  we  ask  Thee  to 
give  to  this  school%  and  to  each  member 
of  it  in  particular,  a  desire  and  taste  for  the 
things  that  are  high  and  spiritual,  the  longing 
for  a  Christlike  life.  Grant  that  whatever  is 
true,  whatever  is  honorable,  whatever  is  just, 
whatever  is  pure,  whatever  is  lovable  and  of 
good  repute — if  there  is  anything  that  is  unsel- 
fish and  generous,  if  there  is  anything  pleasing 
to  Thee — ^we  may  cherish  the  thought  of  these 
things  and,  by  Thy  help,  may  form  our  charac- 
ters according  to  them;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.    Amen. — Adapted  from  Phil.  4:8-9. 

For  Teachers  and  Scholars 

OLORD  JESUS  CHRIST,  everlasting  God, 
bless,  we  beseech  Thee,  the  boys  and  girls  of 
our  schools;  to  the  end  that  they  may  be  truth- 

*0r    household    or    camp. 

110 


PRAYERS    AND     THANKSGIVINGS 

ful,  pure,  obedient,  and  ready  to  do  their  duty 
in  that  state  of  life  to  which  it  shall  please  Thee 
to  call  them.  Give  also  to  those  whom  Thou 
hast  set  over  them,  grace,  so  to  bring  them  up 
for  Thee,  that  teachers  and  scholars  may  meet 
with  joy  in  the  day  of  Thy  appearing,  Who 
livest  and  reignest  with  the  Father,  and  the  Holy 
Spirit,  world  without  end.  Amen. — "Priests^ 
Prayer  Book;'  1870. 

For  the  World's  Student  Christian 
Federation 

ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  God,  we  most 
humbly  praise  and  bless  Thy  Name  for  Thy 
many  blessings  bestowed  upon  the  World's  Stu- 
dent Christian  Federation.  We  pray  Thee  still 
to  bless  and  prosper  its  work,  and  graciously  to 
use  it  for  the  fulfilment  of  Thy  purposes  in  the 
establishment  of  peace  among  all  nations,  the 
restoration  of  visible  unity  to  Thy  Church,  the 
removal  of  all  social  injustice,  and  the  evange- 
lization of  the  whole  world. 

Give  wisdom,  faith,  and  courage  to  all  who 
direct  the  policy  of  the  Federation;  keep  in 
health  and  safety  those  who  work  and  travel  for 
it;  and  grant  that  by  its  means  the  students  in 

111 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

all  lands  may  be  brought  into  relations  of  love 
and  sympathy  with  one  another,  and  may 
earnestly  and  wisely  unite  in  Thy  service, 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — "Booh 
of  Prayers  for  Students/' 

For  Graduates  of  School  or  College 

OGOD,  we  pray  Thee  for  all  those  who  have 
gone  forth  from  this  school;  strengthen 
them  in  time  of  temptation,  be  ever  near  to  com- 
fort and  support  them,  and  grant  that  in  all  they 
think  or  do  or  say,  they  may  live  as  in  Thy 
sight  and  service,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. — F.  H.  Sill. 

OGOD,  our  Keeper  and  Helper,  we  humbly 
pray  Thee  to  watch  over  those  who  have 
gone  forth  from  us  to  enter  upon  their  several 
callings  in  this  world.  May  Thy  Fatherly  care 
shield  them,  the  love  of  Thy  dear  Son  preserve 
them  from  all  evil,  and  the  guidance  of  Thy 
Holy  Spirit  keep  them  in  the  way  that  leadeth 
to  Eternal  Life;  through  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. — 
C.  /.  N,  Child. 


112 


PRAYERS     AND     THANKSGIVINGS 

For  Absent  Loved  Ones 

\  . 

OLORD  OF  LOVE,  Who  art  not  far  from  ' 
any  of  Thy  children,  watch  with  Thy  care  \ 
those  who  are  far  away  from  us;  be  Thou  about 
their  path ;  be  Thou  within  their  hearts ;  be  Thou 
their  defence  upon  their  right  hand;  give  them 
unfailing  trust  in  Thee;  grant  them  power 
against  temptation;  qualify  them  for  whatever 
task  Thou  givest  them  to  do ;  deliver  them  from 
the  snare  of  setting  duty  aside;  make  it  their 
joy  to  do  Thy  will.  Let  not  distance  break  the 
bonds  of  love  which  bind  them  to  us  and  to 
Thee;  but  knit  us  closer  in  Thy  love;  for  the 
sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — Bishop 
W.  Boyd  Carpenter. 


ALMIGHTY  GOD,  by  Whose  goodness  we 
were  created,  and  Whose  mercies  never 
fail;  we  commend  to  Thee  all  who  have  a  place 
in  our  hearts  and  sympathies;  all  who  are  joined 
to  us  by  the  sacred  ties  of  kindred,  friendship, 
and  love;  all  little  children  who  are  dear  to  us; 
all  who  help  us  to  a  faithful  life  and  whose  spirit 
turns  our  duties  into  love;  keep  them  both  out- 
wardly in  their  bodies   and  inwardly  in  their 

113 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

souls,  and  pour  upon  them  the  continual  dew  of 
Thy  blessings;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. — /.  Hunter. 

Distance  Cannot  Separate 

OGOD,  Who  art  in  every  place  and  from 
Whose  knowledge  no  space  or  distance 
can  ever  remove  us,  we  know  that  those  who  are 
absent  from  each  other  are  still  present  to  Thee. 
Defend,  we  pray  Thee,  those  dear  ones  (espe- 
cially   )  from  whom  we  are 

separated,  in  all  their  dangers,  both  of  soul  and 
of  body.  And  grant  that  they  and  we,  by  draw- 
ing near  to  Thee,  may  be  drawing  near  unto  one 
another,  bound  together  by  the  unseen  chain  of 
Thy  Love,  in  the  communion  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
in  the  holy  fellowship  of  Thy  Saints:  that 
whether,  or  not,  as  seems  best  to  Thee,  we  meet 
again,  here  upon  earth,  we  may  surely  meet 
again  at  the  Resurrection  of  the  just;  and  go  in 
together  to  that  house  of  many  mansions  which 
Thou  hast  prepared  for  those  who  love  Thee: 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — J.  M. 
WainwrighL 


114 


PRAYERS    AND     THANKSGIVINGS 

BLESS,  0  God,  all  the  members  of  this  our 
family  and  household,  especially  those  who 
are  absent  from  us.  Preserve  them  waking, 
guard  them  in  their  going  out  and  their  coming 
in,  free  from  sin  and  safe  from  danger,  and 
when  they  sleep  may  they  rest  in  peace;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — ''^Family  Prayer 
Book  of  the  Church  of  Ireland,^' 

For  One  Who  Is  Sick 

LORD,  behold  he  whom  Thou  lovest  is  sick, 
but  come  and  lay  Thine  hand  upon  him  and 
he  shall  live.  Look,  0  merciful  Lord  of  life 
and  health  upon  our  loved  one  now  sick.  Re- 
new his  strength  and  restore  him  to  health,  if  it 
be  Thy  gracious  will.  Give  him  in  the  time  of 
bodily  weakness  the  renewal  of  Thy  Spirit,  and 
the  upholding  power  of  Thy  love;  and  as  all 
things  work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love 
Thee,  so  do  Thou  shed  abroad  in  his  heart  Thy 
love,  that  out  of  this  weakness  he  may  grow 
stronger  in  Thee,  and  in  Thy  love;  for  the  sake 
of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — Bishop  W. 
Boyd  Carpenter, 


115 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

A  Prayer  for  All  Needy  Men 

OGOD,  the  Creator  and  Preserver  of  all 
mankind,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee  for  all 
sorts  and  conditions  of  men ;  that  Thou  wouldest 
be  pleased  to  make  Thy  ways  known  unto  them, 
Thy  saving  health  unto  all  nations.  More  espe- 
cially, we  pray  for  the  good  estate  of  the  Cath- 
olic* Church;  that  it  may  be  so  guided  and  gov- 
erned by  Thy  good  Spirit,  that  all  who  profess 
and  call  themselves  Christians  may  be  led  into 
the  way  of  truth,  and  hold  the  faith  in  unity  of 
spirit,  in  the  bond  of  peace,  and  in  righteousness 
of  life.  Finally,  we  commend  to  Thy  fatherly 
goodness  all  those,  who  are  any  ways  afflicted 
or  distressed  in  mind,  body,  or  estate;  that  it 
may  please  Thee  to  comfort  and  relieve  them, 
according  to  their  several  necessities,  giving  them 
patience  under  their  sufferings,  and  a  happy 
issue  out  of  all  their  afflictions.  And  this  we 
beg  for  Jesus  Christ  His  sake.  Amen. — Bishop 
Gunning,  1614;  "Book  of  Common  Prayer ^^ 
1662. 


*The  use  of  the  word  "Catholic"  here,  as  in  the  Apostles'  Creed, 
indicates  that  world-wide,  universal  Church  which  is  composed  of 
all    those   who   follow   Jesus   Christ   in   sincerity   and    truth. 

116 


PRAYERS     AND     THANKSGIVINGS 

The  General  Thanksgiving 

ALMIGHTY  GOD,  Father  of  all  mercies,  we. 
Thine  unworthy  servants,  do  give  Thee 
most  humble  and  hearty  thanks  for  all  Thy  good- 
ness and  loving-kindness  to  us  and  to  all  men. 
We  bless  Thee  for  our  creation,  preservation, 
and  all  the  blessings  of  this  life;  but,  above  all, 
for  Thine  inestimable  love  in  the  redemption  of 
the  world  by  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  for  the 
means  of  grace,  and  for  the  hope  of  glory.  And, 
we  beseech  Thee,  give  us  that  due  sense  of  all 
Thy  mercies,  that  our  hearts  may  be  unfeignedly 
thankful,  and  that  we  show  forth  Thy  praise,  not 
only  with  our  lips,  but  in  our  lives;  by  giving 
up  ourselves  to  Thy  service,  and  by  walking  be- 
fore Thee  in  holiness  and  righteousness  all  our 
days;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  to  whom 
with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost  be  all  honor  and 
glory,  world  without  end.  Amen. — Bishop  Rey- 
nolds, 1599;  ''Book  of  Common  Prayer^^  1662. 

T^HOU  hast  given  so  much  to  us,  give  one 
-*-  thing  more,  a  grateful  heart;    for  Christ's 
sake.    Amen. — George  Herbert,  1593-1633. 


117 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

For  Good  Hopes  and  Precious  Memories 

MOST  heartily  do  we  thank  Thee,  0  Lord, 
for  all  Thy  mercies  of  every  kind,  and  for 
Thy  loving  care  over  all  Thy  creatures.  We 
bless  Thee  for  the  gift  of  life,  for  Thy  protec- 
tion round  about  us,  for  Thy  guiding  hand  upon 
us,  and  for  the  many  tokens  of  Thy  love  within 
us;  especially  for  the  saving  knowledge  of  Thy 
dear  Son,  our  Redeemer ;  and  for  the  living  pres- 
ence of  Thy  Spirit,  our  Comforter.  We  thank 
Thee  for  friendship  and  duty,  for  good  hopes 
and  precious  memories,  for  the  joys  that  cheer 
us,  and  for  the  trials  that  teach  us  to  trust  in 
Thee.  In  all  these  things,  our  heavenly  Father, 
make  us  wise  unto  a  right  use  of  Thy  great  bene- 
fits; and  so  direct  us  that  in  word  and  deed  we 
may  render  an  acceptable  thanksgiving  unto 
Thee,  in  Jesus  Christ  our  Savior.  Amen, — ''Book 
of  Common  Worship" 

For  the  Beauty  of  the  Earth  and  the  Beauty 
OF  the  Sky 

/^  GOD,  we  thank  Thee  for  this  universe,  our 
^^  great  home;  for  its  vastness  and  its  riches, 
and  for  the  manifoldness  of  the  life  which  teems 

118 


PRAYERS     AND     THANKSGIVINGS 

upon  it  and  of  which  we  are  a  part.  We  praise 
Thee  for  the  arching  sky  and  the  blessed  winds, 
for  the  driving  clouds  and  the  constellations  on 
high.  We  praise  Thee  for  the  salt  sea  and  the 
running  water,  for  the  everlasting  hills,  for  the 
trees,  and  for  the  grass  under  our  feet.  We 
thank  Thee  for  our  senses  by  which  we  can  see 
the  splendor  of  the  morning,  and  hear  the  jubi- 
lant songs  of  love,  and  smell  the  breath  of  the 
springtime.  Grant  us,  we  pray  Thee,  a  heart 
wide  open  to  all  this  joy  and  beauty,  and  save 
our  souls  from  being  so  steeped  in  care  or  so 
darkened  by  passion  that  we  pass  heedless  and 
unseeing  when  even  the  thornbush  by  the  way- 
side is  aflame  with  the  glory  of  God. — Walter 
Rauschenbusch. 


Thanksgiving  for  a  Much-Desired  Blessing 

MOST  Gracious  God,  I  am  not  worthy  of  the 
blessing  which  has  brought  new  joy  into 
my  life.  Thou  hast  granted  me  my  heart's  de- 
sire and  hast  not  denied  me  the  request  of  my 
lips.  Add,  I  pray  Thee,  this  further  blessing  to 
the  other — ^the  gift  of  a  heart  so  sensible  of  Thy 
loving  kindness  that  my  life  may  bear  witness  to 

119 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

the  reality  of  my  gratitude.  I  ask  it  for  the  sake 
of  Thy  Son,  our  Savior  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. — 
George  Wharton  Pepper,^ 

Graces 

GRACIOUS  GOD,  may  the  food  which  we  are 
about  to  receive  strengthen  our  bodies; 
and  may  Thy  Holy  Spirit  strengthen  and  refresh 
our  souls;  through  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. — ''The 
Tent  and  the  Altar/'  1847. 

BLESS  us,  0  Lord,  in  what  we  are  going  to 
receive,  and  make  us  truly  thankful;  for 
Jesus  Christ's  sake.    Amen. 


THE  Lord  bless  this  food  to  our  use  and  us  to 
His  service.    Amen. 


I  THANK  Thee  for  this  answer  to  my  prayer 
for  daily  bread.  May  the  strength  which  it 
brings  be  used  in  the  service  of  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.     Amen. — George  Wharton  Pepper!" 


"Taken    from    "The    Way,"    by    G.    W.    Pepper,    by   permission    of 
the   publishers,    Longmans,    Green   and    Company. 

«Ibid. 

120 


PRAYERS     AND     THANKSGIVINGS 

MAY  God  relieve  the  wants  of  others  and 
give  us  thankful  hearts;  for  Christ's  sake. 
Amen. — John  Dallas. 

HEAVENLY  FATHER,  make  us  thankful  to 
Thee  and  mindful  of  others  as  we  receive 
these  blessings,  in  Jesus'  name.  Amen. — ''Book 
of  Common  Worship'* 

OUR  Father,  Thou  art  the  final  source  of  all 
our  comforts  and  to  Thee  we  render  thanks 
for  this  food.  But  we  also  remember  in  grati- 
tude the  many  men  and  women  whose  labor  was 
necessary  to  produce  it,  and  who  gathered  it 
from  the  land  and  afar  from  the  sea  for  our  sus- 
tenance. Grant  that  they,  too,  may  enjoy  the 
fruit  of  their  labor  without  want,  and  may  be 
bound  up  with  us  in  a  fellowship  of  thankful 
hearts. — Walter  Rauschenbusch. 

Graces  for  Families  with  Children 

FATHER,  we  thank  Thee  for  the  night, 
And  for  the  pleasant  morning  light; 
For  rest  and  food  and  loving  care 
And  all  that  makes  the  world  so  fair.    Amen. 

121 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

GOD  is  great,  and  God  is  good, 
And  we  thank  Him  for  this  food ; 
By  His  hand  must  all  be  fed: 
Give  us,  Lord,  our  daily  bread.    Amen. 

LORD  JESUS,  be  our  Holy  Guest, 
Our  morning  joy,  our  evening  rest; 
And  with  our  daily  bread  impart 
Thy  love  and  peace  to  every  heart.    Amen. 


122 


FOR    SPECIAL    OCCASIONS,   INCLUD- 
ING  TIMES  OF  WAR 


VIII 

FOR    SPECIAL    OCCASIONS,    INCLUDING 
TIMES  OF  WAR 

OLORD,  Who  by  Thy  holy  Apostle  hast 
taught  us  to  do  all  things  in  the  name  of 
the  Lord  Jesus  and  to  Thy  glory;  give  Thy  bless- 
ing, we  pray  Thee,  to  this  our  daily  work,  that 
we  may  do  it  in  faith,  and  heartily,  as  to  the 
Lord  and  not  unto  men.  All  our  powers  of  body 
and  mind  are  Thine,  and  v/e  would  fain  devote 
them  to  Thy  service.  Sanctify  them  and  the 
work  in  which  they  are  engaged;  let  us  not  be 
slothful,  but  fervent  in  spirit,  and  do  Thou,  0 
Lord,  so  bless  our  efforts  that  they  may  bring 
forth  in  us  the  fruits  of  true  wisdom.  Strength- 
en the  faculties  of  our  minds  and  dispose  us  to 
exert  them,  but  let  us  always  remember  to  exert 
them  for  Thy  glory,  and  for  the  furtherance  of 
Thy  kingdom.  .  .  .  Give  us  this  day  Thy  Holy 
Spirit,  that  we  may  be  Thine  in  body  and  spirit, 
in  all  our  work  and  all  our  refreshments, 
through  Jesus  Christ  Thy  Son,  our  Lord.  Amen. 
—Thomas  Arnold,  1795-1839. 

12S 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

Forgive  Our  Feverish  Ways 

OLORD  JESUS  CHRIST,  Who  didst  say  to 
Thine  Apostles,  "Come  ye  apart  into  a 
desert  place  and  rest  awhile,"  for  there  were 
many  coming  and  going ;  grant,  we  beseech  Thee, 
to  Thy  servants  here  gathered  together,  that  they 
may  rest  awhile  at  this  present  time  with  Thee. 
May  they  so  seek  Thee,  Whom  their  souls  desire 
to  love,  that  they  may  both  find  Thee,  and  be 
found  of  Thee.  And  grant  such  love  and  such 
wisdom  to  accompany  the  words  which  shall  be 
spoken  in  Thy  Name,  that  they  may  not  fall  to 
the  ground,  but  may  be  helpful  in  leading  us 
onward  through  the  toils  of  our  pilgrimage  to 
that  rest  which  remaineth  to  the  people  of  God; 
where,  nevertheless,  they  rest  not  day  and  night 
from  Thy  perfect  service.  Who  with  the  Father 
and  the  Holy  Spirit  livest  and  reignest  ever  one 
God,  world  without  end.  Amen. — ''Prime  and 
Hours." 

In  Vacation  Time 

T  ORD,  be  with  us  as  at  this  season  we  go  for 
-■— ^  needed  rest  and  change  from  daily  toil. 
Let  Thy  Living  Presence  brighten  our  holiday. 

126 


FOR       SPECIAL       OCCASIONS 

May  sin  have  no  power  to  spoil  our  enjoyment, 
and  grant  us  on  our  return  renewed  strength  in 
body  and  mind  for  life's  daily  duties,  and  re- 
newed zeal  for  Thy  service;  until  the  Kingdom 
come.    Amen. 

TEACH  me  to  love  Thy  own  beautiful  world, 
as  Thou  didst  love  it,  to  whom  the  moun- 
tains, flowers,  and  birds  ministered;  speak  to  me 
through  all  the  voices  of  nature;  and  grant  me 
a  quick  sensitiveness  to  Thy  presence  beneath 
her  pure  and  transparent  veil. — F,  B.  Meyer, 

In  Time  of  Distress 

OGOD,  most  wise  and  loving  and  faithful 
Redeemer,  Thou  hast  permitted  us  to 
come  into  this  present  trial  ...  in  order  that 
we  may  learn  obedience  by  the  things  that  we 
suffer,  and  turn  to  Thee,  our  Helper  in  the 
time  of  trouble.  Grant,  therefore,  that  there  may 
be  no  bitterness  in  our  sorrow,  no  despair  in  our 
submission,  and  no  doubt  of  Thee  in  our  per- 
plexity of  heart.  But  do  Thou  teach  us  to  face 
our  trial  manfully,  and  cause  even  the  dark 
things  of  life  to  work  together  for  our  good,  and 

127 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

bring  us  speedily  out  of  our  distress,  that  we 
may  praise  Thee  with  a  joyful  heart,  in  Christ 
Jesus  our  Lord.  Amen. — ''Book  of  Common 
Worship." 

ETERNAL  and  unchangeable  God,  in  whom 
alone  we  find  rest  from  our  weariness  and 
comfort  for  our  sorrow,  and  from  whom  alone 
Cometh  all  true  joy;  keep  our  hearts,  we  beseech 
Thee,  ever  fixed  on  Thee  through  life  and  death, 
waiting  patiently  for  that  glorious  day  when  we 
shall  rejoice  in  the  fulness  of  Thy  love  for  ever- 
more; through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — 
''Prayers  for  the  Army  and  Navy" 

MOST  gracious  God!  Wherever  at  this 
hour,  there  is  sore  sickness  in  home  or 
hospital;  wherever  souls  are  passing  from  time 
into  eternity;  wherever  there  are  anguish,  peril, 
and  alarm,  there  may  Thy  gentle  Holy  Spirit 
instil  peace  and  help.  I  ask  it  in  the  name  of 
Jesus  Christ. — F,  B,  Meyer, 

Wondrous  Things  Out  of  Thy  Law 

BLESSED  LORD,  who  has  caused  all  holy 
Scriptures  to  be  written  for  our  learning; 
Grant  that  we  may  in  such  wise  hear  them,  read, 

128 


FOR       SPECIAL        OCCASIONS 

mark,  learn,  and  inwardly  digest  them,  that  by 
patience,  and  comfort  of  Thy  Holy  Word,  we 
may  embrace  and  ever  hold  fast  the  blessed 
hope  of  everlasting  life,  which  Thou  hast  given 
us  in  our  Savior  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. — "^Book 
of  Common  Prayer/'  1549. 

OGOD,  the  Father  of  lights,  whose  word  is 
enduring,  and  whose  promise  cannot  fail, 
grant  unto  us  the  spirit  of  wisdom,  that  we  may 
understand  Thy  Word,  and  faith  that  we  may 
keep  it  unto  life  eternal;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.    Amen. 


Hid  in  My  Heart 

/^  LORD,  Thy  Word  is  before  us,  give  us  a 
^^  meek,  and  reverent,  and  teachable  mind, 
whilst  we  read  and  study  it.  Open  to  us  its 
sacred  truths,  and  enable  us  to  receive  it,  not  as 
the  word  of  men,  but  as  the  Word  of  God,  which 
liveth  and  abideth  forever.  Be  Thou,  0  Bleesed 
Spirit,  our  teacher.  Enlighten  our  minds  and 
prepare  our  hearts.  Shine,  Lord,  upon  Thine 
own  sacred  page,  and  make  it  clear  to  us.  What 
we  see  not  show  us,  and  where  we  are  wrong 

129 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

correct  us.  Bring  home  some  portion  to  our 
soul,  and  thus  make  us  wise  unto  salvation; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Savior.  Amen. — Bishop 
Ashton  Oxenden,  of  Montreal,  1808. 


WHEREWITH  shall  a  young  man  cleanse 
his  way? 
By  taking  heed  thereto  according  to  thy  word. 
With  my  whole  heart  have  I  sought  thee: 
Oh,  let  me  not  wander  from  thy  commandments. 
Thy  word  have  I  laid  up  in  my  heart, 
That  I  might  not  sin  against  thee. 
Blessed  art  thou,  0  Jehovah: 
Teach  me  thy  statutes. 
With  my  lips  have  I  declared 
All  the  ordinances  of  thy  mouth. 
I  have  rejoiced  in  the  way  of  thy  testimonies, 
As  much  as  in  all  riches. 
I  will  meditate  on  thy  precepts. 
And  have  respect  unto  thy  ways. 
I  will  delight  myself  in  thy  statutes; 
I  will  not  forget  thy  word.  .   .  . 
Open  thou  mine  eyes,  that  I  may  behold 
Wondrous  things  out  of  thy  law. 

Psalm  119:9-16,  18. 


130 


FOR       SPECIAL       OCCASIONS 

ALMIGHTY  and  most  merciful  Father,  Whose 
Word  is  a  lantern  unto  my  feet  and  a  light 
unto  my  steps,  I  humbly  beseech  Thee  to  illumi- 
nate my  mind  and  quicken  my  zeal  that  I  may 
understand  Thy  message  to  me  this  day  and  be 
a  loyal  and  faithful  witness  to  others;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Savior.    Amen. 

Preparation  for  Holy  Communion 

0  ALMIGHTY  and  Everliving  God,  give  me 
a  realizing  sense  of  Thy  presence  in  the 
midst  of  Thy  world.  As  I  enter  Thy  House, 
make  me  to  feel  Thy  nearness  even  more  than 
at  other  times.  When  Thy  dear  Son  makes  Him- 
self known  to  me  in  the  breaking  of  the  bread, 
convince  me  of  the  reality  of  His  presence  and 
overpower  me  with  the  manifestation  of  His 
glory.  I  am  not  worthy  to  stand  before  Him. 
Let  my  sense  of  unworthiness  force  me  to  my 
knees.  I  approach  Thine  altar  in  the  spirit  of 
love;  but  let  it  be  a  love  not  unmixed  with  awe. 
In  Thy  fear,  0  God,  let  me  worship  toward  Thy 
holy  temple.  Give  me  a  sense  of  nearness  to  the 
unseen  world  and  grant  that  in  this  Holy  Sacra- 
ment I  may  unite  with  saints  and  angels  in  their 
adoration  of  Thy  Son  our  Lord;  to  Whom,  with 

131 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

Thee  and  the  Holy  Spirit  be  honor  and  glory 
forever  and  ever.  Amen. — George  Wharton 
Pepper,^ 

In  the  Faith  of  Our  Fathers 

0  ALMIGHTY  GOD,  who  has  knit  together 
Thine  elect  in  one  communion  and  fellow- 
ship, in  the  mystical  body  of  Thy  Son,  Christ 
our  Lord;  Grant  us  grace  so  to  follow  Thy 
blessed  Saints  in  all  virtuous  and  godly  living, 
that  we  may  come  to  those  unspeakable  joys, 
which  Thou  hast  prepared  for  them  that  un- 
feignedly  love  Thee;  through  Jesus  Christ  our 
Lord.  Amen. — "Book  of  Common  Prayer,^' 
1549. 

OLORD,  God  of  our  fathers,  we  bless  Thy 
holy  name.  Thy  grace  and  mercy,  for  all 
those  who  have  gone  before  us  to  rest  in  Thee; 
all,  in  all  vocations,  who  have  pleased  Thee. 
And,  we  pray  Thee,  give  us  also  grace  to  walk 
before  Thee  as  they  walked  in  righteousness  and 
self-denial,  that,  having  labored  as  they  labored, 
we  may  afterward  rest  as  they  rest.  Amen. — 
Christina  G.  Rossetti,  1830-1904. 

^Taken  from  "The  Way,"  by  G.  W.  Pepper,  by  permission  of  the 
publishers,    Longmans,    Green    and    Company. 

132 


FOR       SPECIAL       OCCASIONS 

For  Our  Country 

OLORD  of  heaven  and  earth,  who  leddest 
our  fathers  forth,  making  them  to  go  from 
one  kingdom  to  another  people:  We  yield  Thee 
hearty  thanks  for  all  that  Thou  didst  for  them 
and  art  doing  for  the  land  to  which  they  came. 
We  remember  them  not  only  as  valiant  in  fight, 
but  as  wise  in  council,  not  only  as  brave  war- 
riors, but  as  far-seeing  statesmen,  and  incorrup- 
tible patriots.  And  we  give  Thee  thanks  for 
them.  We  remember  those  of  a  later  day,  who 
spared  not  their  lives  that  our  land  might  be 
one;  patriots  of  the  newer  time,  prophets  and 
martyrs  of  our  country's  unity.  And  we  give 
Thee  thanks  for  them.  And  we  pray  that  we 
may  follow  their  good  examples  and  bequeath 
to  our  children  a  nation  worthy  of  such  founders 
and  preservers,  meet  to  do  Thy  will,  a  kingdom 
subject  completely  to  Thee  and  to  Thy  Christ. 
Amen. 

PATERNAL  GOD,  Who  countest  the  nations 
-"—^  as  the  dust  of  the  balance,  and  takest  up 
the  isles  as  a  very  little  thing;  who  puttest  down 
the  mighty  from  their  seat  and  hast  exalted  the 
humble  and  meek;  have  mercy  upon  this  nation, 

133 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

and  look  with  favor  upon  the  people  Thou  hast 
planted.  .  .  . 

Have  mercy  on  us  for  our  foolish  Loast  and 
trusted  might,  and  leave  us  not  to  the  disaster  of 
the  abyss  or  the  shame  of  declining  power.  We 
repent  for  the  poison  we  have  poured  into  our 
blood,  for  the  despite  done  to  our  fair  land  by 
lust  of  gold  and  greed  of  possession;  for  the  toll 
taken  of  human  souls,  and  for  the  contempt 
shown  to  Christ  in  the  persons  of  little  children, 
the  needy,  the  sick,  and  those  in  prison.  We 
think  with  penitence  of  the  foulness  of  our  cities, 
the  shame  of  our  streets,  the  misery  of  the  poor, 
the  unconcern  of  the  rich  .  .  .  the  severity  and 
partiality  of  our  laws,  and  we  cry: 

Spare  us,  good  Lord,  for  our  sins  are  sore. 
Preserve  us  of  Thy  mercy,  lest  our  destruction 
be  determined,  and  we  go  the  way  of  the  nations 
that  have  forgotten  God.  Amen. — W.  E,  Or- 
chard,^ 

OGOD,  our  Ruler  and  King,  put  to  silence 
the  voices  of  foolish  men  in  this  nation; 
kindle  the  spirit  of  sacrifice,  loyalty,  and  unity, 
that  we  may  go  forth  in  Thy  might  to  win  free- 

2Taken    by    permission    from    "The    Temple,"    by    W.    E.    Orchard, 
copyright  E.   P.   Dutton  and   Company. 

134 


FOR       SPECIAL       OCCASIONS 

dom  for  the  oppressed;  through  Thy  Son,  who 
hath  made  us  free,  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. 

OLORD,  our  Governor,  Whose  glory  is  in 
all  the  world;  we  commend  this  nation 
to  Thy  merciful  care,  that  being  guided  by  Thy 
Providence  we  may  dwell  secure  in  Thy  peace. 
Grant  to  the  President  and  to  all  in  authority 
wisdom  and  strength  to  know  and  to  do  Thy 
will.  Fill  them  with  the  love  of  truth  and 
righteousness;  and  make  them  ever  mindful  of 
their  calling  to  serve  this  people  in  Thy  fear; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord,  who  liveth  and 
reigneth  with  Thee  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  one 
God,  world  without  end.  Amen. — "Prayers  for 
the  Army  and  Navy," 

In  Time  of  War 

BE  Thou  unto  us  at  this  time  of  need  a  tower 
of  strength,  a  place  of  refuge,  and  a  de- 
fence against  the  enemy.  Let  Thy  comfort  sup- 
port and  strengthen  us,  Thy  mercy  keep  us,  and 
Thy  grace  guide  us.  .  .  .  Amen. — "Primer  of 
Henry  VIII,"  1545. 


135 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

OLORD  OF  HOSTS,  bless  our  sailors  and 
soldiers;  keep  them  pure  and  loyal  amid 
all  their  temptations;  and  grant  that  all  their 
operations  may  tend  to  peace  on  earth:  that 
war  being  done  away,  they  may  fight  only  in 
their  Christian  conflict  against  sin,  the  world, 
and  the  devil,  and  triumph  therein  by  Thy  vic- 
torious might,  0  Lord,  Thou  God  of  Hosts; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — ''Sur- 
sum  Corda,^' 

OLORD  GOD  ALMIGHTY,  Who  from  Thy 
Throne  dost  behold  all  the  dwellers  upon 
earth,  look  down  with  pity  upon  those  on  whom 
have  fallen  the  miseries  of  war.  Have  compas- 
sion on  the  wounded  and  dying;  comfort  the 
broken-hearted;  assuage  the  madness  of  the  na- 
tions; make  war  to  cease;  give  peace  in  our 
time,  0  Lord;  we  ask  it  in  the  Name  of  Him 
Who  is  the  Prince  of  Peace,  even  Thy  Son  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

TTAVE  mercy,  O  Lord,  upon  the  wounded 
*--■-  and  the  suffering,  whether  of  our  own 
people  or  of  the  enemy.  Let  Thy  grace  be 
their  comfort,  although  natural  friends  be  far 

136 


FOR       SPECIAL       OCCASIONS 

away.  Raise  them  to  health,  if  it  be  good,  but 
chiefly  give  them  such  faith  and  patience  that 
they  may  glorify  Thee  upon  the  earth,  and  es- 
caping the  assaults  of  Satan,  may  rest  in  peace, 
and  rise  to  partake  of  Thy  glory;  through  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. — R,  M,  Benson, 


OLORD  GOD  of  infinite  mercy,  we  humbly 
beseech  Thee  to  look  down  upon  the  na- 
tions now  engaged  in  war.  Reckon  not  against 
Thy  people  their  many  iniquities,  for  from  the 
lusts  of  our  own  hearts  come  wars  and  fightings 
amongst  us.  Look  in  mercy  on  those  immedi- 
ately exposed  to  peril,  conflict,  sickness,  and 
death:  comfort  the  prisoners,  relieve  the  suffer- 
ings of  the  wounded,  and  show  mercy  to  the 
dying.  Remove  in  Thy  good  providence  all 
causes  and  occasions  of  war;  dispose  the  hearts 
of  those  engaged  therein  to  moderation;  and  to 
Thy  great  goodness  restore  peace  among  the 
nations;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. 
— ^'Book  of  Common  Worship" 

OGOD,  Who  art  the  Father  of  all,  and  Who 
alone  makest  men  to  be  of  one  mind  in  a 
house,  we  beseech  Thee,  at  this  time  of  strife  and 

137 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

unrest,  to  grant  to  us,  by  the  inspiration  of  Thy 
Holy  Spirit,  a  fuller  realization  of  our  brother- 
hood, man  with  man  in  Thee;  allay  all  anger 
and  bitterness,  and  deepen  in  us  a  sense  of 
truth  and  equity  in  our  dealings  one  with  an- 
other; for  the  sake  of  Thy  Son,  our  Lord,  Jesus 
Christ.     Amen. — Archbishop  of  Canterbury, 

GIVE  Thy  blessing,  0  Father,  to  the  people 
of  that  great  and  fair  land,  with  whose 
rulers  we  are  at  war.  Strengthen  the  hands  of 
the  wise  and  just,  who  follow  charity  and  look 
for  justice  and  freedom,  among  them  as  among 
us.  Drive  away  the  evil  passions  of  hatred,  sus- 
picion, and  the  fever  of  war,  among  them  as 
among  us.  Relieve  and  comfort  the  anxious, 
the  bereaved,  the  sick  and  tormented,  and  all 
the  pale  host  of  sufferers,  among  them  as  among 
us.  Reward  the  patience,  industry,  loving  kind- 
ness, and  simplicity  of  the  common  people  and 
all  the  men  of  good  heart,  among  them  as  among 
us.  Forgive  the  cruelty,  the  ambition,  the  fool- 
ish pride,  the  heartless  schemes,  of  which  the 
world's  rulers  have  been  guilty.  Teach  us 
everywhere  to  repent  and  to  amend.  Help  us 
so  to  use  our  present  afflictions,  which  come  from 
us  and  not  from  Thee,  that  we  may  build  on  the 

138 


FOR       SPECIAL       OCCASIONS 

ruins  of  our  evil  past  a  firm  and  lasting  peace. 
Grant  that,  united  in  a  good  understanding  with 
these  who  are  now  become  our  enemies,  though 
they  are  our  brethren  in  Christ,  they  and  we 
may  establish  a  new  order,  wherein  the  nations 
may  live  together  in  trust  and  fellowship,  in  the 
emulation  of  great  achievements  and  the  rivalry 
of  good  deeds,  truthful,  honest,  and  just  in  our 
dealings  one  with  another,  and  following  in  all 
things  the  standard  of  the  Son  of  Man,  whom 
we  have  denied,  and  put  to  shame,  and  crucified 
afresh  upon  the  Calvary  of  our  battle  ground. 
Amen. — Charles  Gore,  Bishop  of  Oxford, 

LORD  JESUS  CHRIST,  Who  hast  command- 
ed us  not  to  return  evil  for  evil,  but  to 
pray  for  those  who  hate  us;  Enable  us  by  Thy 
blessed  example  and  Thy  loving  Spirit,  to  offer 
a  true  prayer  for  all  our  enemies  (and  espe- 
cially for  those  persons  known  to  Thee,  who 
have  wrought  us  harm) .  If  in  anything  we  have 
given  just  cause  of  offense,  teach  us  to  feel,  and 
to  confess,  and  to  amend  our  fault,  that  a  way 
of  reconciliation  may  be  found.  Let  not  their 
anger  burn  against  us,  but  deliver  them  and  us 
from  the  power  of  hatred,  so  that  we  may  be 
as  ready  to  grant  forgiveness  as  they  to  ask  it, 

139 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

and  the  peace  of  God  may  rule  in  all  our  hearts, 
both  now  and  evermore.  Amen. — "Book  of 
Common  Worship" 

STRENGTHEN  our  sense  of  justice  and  our 
regard  for  the  equal  worth  of  other  peoples 
and  races.  Grant  to  the  rulers  of  nations  faith 
in  the  possibility  of  peace  through  justice,  and 
grant  to  the  common  people  a  new  and  stern  en- 
thusiasm for  the  cause  of  peace.  Bless  our  sol- 
diers and  sailors  for  their  swift  obedience  and 
their  willingness  to  answer  to  the  call  of  duty, 
but  inspire  them  none  the  less  with  a  hatred  of 
war,  and  may  they  never  for  love  of  private 
glory  or  advancement  provoke  its  coming.  May 
our  young  men  still  rejoice  to  die  for  their  coun- 
try with  the  valor  of  their  fathers,  but  teach  our 
age  nobler  methods  of  matching  our  strength 
and  more  effective  ways  of  giving  our  life  for 
the  flag. 

0  thou  strong  Father  of  all  nations,  draw  all 
thy  great  family  together  with  an  increasing 
sense  of  our  common  blood  and  destiny,  that 
peace  may  come  on  earth  at  last,  and  thy  sun 
may  shed  its  light  rejoicing  on  a  holy  brother- 
hood of  peoples.  Amen. — Walter  Rauschen- 
busch. 

140 


FOR       SPECIAL       OCCASIONS 

BESTOW  upon  me,  0  God,  that  courage 
which  thou  alone  givest,  that  I  may  meet 
serenely  whatever  comes,  and  may  never  fail 
to  think  brave  thoughts  and  do  brave  deeds; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.    Amen. 

OLORD,  Thou  knowest  how  busy  we  must 
be  this  day;  if  we  forget  Thee,  do  not 
Thou  forget  us;  for  Christ's  sake.  Amen. — 
General  Lord  Astley,  1579-1652  (before  the 
Battle  of  Edgehill). 

0  JESUS,  make  me  care  less  for  the  opinion 
of  man,  and  more,  far  more,  for  what 
Thou  thinkest.  ...  0  Jesus,  may  the  remem- 
brance of  my  having  approached  Thy  table,  and 
renewed  my  vows  to  Thee,  cause  me  to  live 
closer  to  Thee  for  the  rest  of  my  life;  and  do 
Thou,  blessed  Spirit,  warm  this  cold  heart  of 
mine!  Amen. — Captain  Hedley  Vicars,  1826- 
1855. 

0  ALMIGHTY  GOD,  the  refuge  of  all  them 
that  put  their  trust  in  thee:  We  turn  to 
thee  in  this  time  of  trouble;  direct  the  course 
of  this  world,  we  humbly  beseech  thee,  in  ac- 

141 


THE      ENRICHMENT      OF      PRAYER 

cordance  with  thy  holy  will;  take  away  what- 
soever hinders  the  nations  from  unity  and  con- 
cord; prosper  all  counsels  which  make  for  the 
restoration  of  a  rightful  and  abiding  peace. 
And  this  we  ask  for  thy  mercy's  sake,  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — "Public  and 
Private  Worship  in  Time  of  War," 

GOD,  who  hast  sent  us  to  school  in  this 
strange  life  of  ours,  and  hast  set  us  tasks 
which  test  all  our  courage,  trust,  and  fidelity; 
may  we  not  spend  our  days  complaining  at  cir- 
cumstance or  fretting  at  discipline,  but  give 
ourselves  to  learn  of  life  and  to  profit  by  every 
experience.    Make  us  strong  to  endure. 

We  pray  that  when  trials  come  upon  us  we 
may  not  shirk  the  issue  or  lose  our  faith  in  Thy 
goodness,  but  committing  our  souls  unto  Thee 
who  knowest  the  way  that  we  take,  come  forth 
as  gold  tried  in  the  fire. 

Grant  by  Thy  grace  that  we  may  not  be  found 
wanting  in  the  hour  of  crisis.  When  the  battle 
is  set,  may  we  know  on  which  side  we  ought  to 
be,  and  when  the  day  goes  hard,  cowards  steal 
from  the  field,  and  heroes  fall  around  the  stand- 
ard, may  our  place  be  found  where  the  fight  is 
fiercest.     If  we  faint,  may  we  not  be  faithless; 

142 


FOR       SPECIAL       OCCASIONS 

if  we  fall,  may  it  be  while  facing  the  foe.  Amen. 
—W.  E.  Orchard." 

For  Those  at  Home 

0  HEAVENLY  FATHER,  who  didst  sustain 
thy  most  dear  Son  upon  the  cross;  give 
courage  and  faith  to  those  who  in  the  time  of 
war  abide  at  home;  make  their  love  a  beacon 
to  those  who  struggle  in  the  night  of  battle; 
whereby  both  together  may  receive  from  Thee 
the  praise  of  deeds  well  done;  through  our  Re- 
deemer Jesus  Christ.  Amen. — Used  in  Grace 
Church, 

They  Also  Serve  Who  Only  Stand  and  Wait 

OGOD,  who  from  generation  to  generation 
art  our  Refuge  and  our  Strength,  hear 
our  prayer  for  ourselves  and  for  the  land  we 
love;  may  we  never  forget  that  righteousness 
alone  exalteth  a  nation,  and  so  may  all  national 
pride  and  ambition  be  far  from  us;  bless  our 
President,  that  he  may  lead  us  in  the  costly  paths 
of  Thy  faith  and  love;  may  we  seek  to  excel  in 
the  practice  of  forgiveness  and  service.     Keep 

^Taken    by   permission    from    "The    Temple,"    by    W.    E.    Orchard, 
copyright   E.    P.    Dutton    and    Company. 

143 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

those  who  fight  in  our  armies  from  impurity  and 
hate,  and  may  our  courage  and  consecration 
equal  theirs  in  our  battle  with  whatever  is  hate- 
ful or  unloving  in  our  homes,  our  schools,  our 
factories,  our  streets. 

Give  us  patience  for  self-discipline  that  we 
may  be  prepared  with  keen  minds  and  clean 
hearts  for  our  work  in  the  world;  may  we  seek 
and  find  God's  plan  and  not  our  own,  being  glad 
to  give  oiir  lives  if  need  be  that  war  may  be 
done  away  and  that  Jesus  Christ  may  reign  in 
the  hearts  of  all  men  everywhere.    Amen. 

For  All  Nations 

OGOD,  who  hast  made  of  one  blood  all  na- 
tions of  men  to  dwell  on  the  face  of  the 
whole  earth,  and  who  of  old  didst  send  forth 
Thy  messengers  to  prepare  the  way  of  the  Lord ; 
grant  that  all  men  everywhere  may  seek  after 
Thee  and  find  Thee.  Bring  the  nations  into  Thy 
fold,  and  hasten  Thy  Kingdom.  Prepare  our 
hearts  to  receive  Thy  truth  in  the  love  of  it. 
May  the  truth  make  us  free  from  the  bondage  of 
error  and  evil  with  the  glorious  liberty  of  the 
children  of  God.  May  the  fruit  be  unto  holiness, 
and  the  end  the  life  that  is  life  indeed.    Amen. 

144 


FOR       SPECIAL       OCCASIONS 

OTHOU  in  Whose  hand  are  the  hearts  of 
Thy  children,  shed  abroad  Thy  peace 
upon  the  world.  By  the  might  of  Thy  Holy 
Spirit  quench  the  pride,  and  anger,  and  greedi- 
ness, which  cause  man  to  strive  against  man, 
and  people  against  people.  Lead  all  nations  in 
the  ways  of  mutual  help  and  good  will,  and 
hasten  the  time  when  all  the  world  shall  confess 
Thee  for  its  Savior  and  King.    Amen. 

WE  bring  before  Thee,  0  Lord,  the  troubles 
and  perils  of  people  and  nations,  the  sigh- 
ing of  prisoners  and  captives,  the  sorrows  of 
the  bereaved,  the  necessities  of  strangers,  the 
helplessness  of  the  weak,  the  despondency  of  the 
weary,  the  failing  powers  of  the  aged.  0  Lord, 
draw  near  to  each;  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.    Amen. — ^5^.  Anselm,  1033-1086. 

OTHOU  who  art  the  hope  of  all  the  ends  of 
the  earth. 
And  of  those  who  are  far  off  upon  the  sea. 
Remember  Thy  whole  creation  for  good; 
Visit  the  world  in  Thy  compassion. 

0  Thou  Preserver  of  men,  who  lovest  all  Thy 
children: 

145 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

Remember  all  our  race. 

For  all  have  sinned  and  come  short  of  the  knowl- 
edge of  God. 
Have  pity.  Lord,  on  all. 
For  Thou  wiliest  not  the  death  of  a  sinner, 
But  that  all  should  turn  to  Thee  and  live. 

O  Thou  who  didst  die  and  rise  again 

To  be  Lord,  both  of  the  dead  and  the  living: 

Whether  we  live,  or  whether  we  die, 

Thou  art  the  Lord. 

0  Helper  of  the  helpless, 

0  Refuge  for  the  oppressed, 

O  great  Rock  casting  a  shadow  in  a  weary  land, 

O  Covert  from  the  storm, 

0  Refuge  in  the  times  of  trouble: 

Remember  all  who  are  in  necessity, 

All  who  need  Thy  succor. 

0  Lord  of  the  Harvest: 

Send  forth  laborers  made  sufficient  by  Thee 
Into  Thy  harvest. 

0  King  of  Nations  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth : 
Strengthen  all  the  kingdoms  and  states  of  the 
whole  world, 

146 


FOR       SPECIAL       OCCASIONS 

As  being  Thy  ordinance,  for  so  Thou  hast 

created  man. 
Scatter  the  people  that  delight  in  war. 
Make  wars  to  cease  unto  the  ends  of  the  earth. 

The  Lord  bless  us  and  keep  us ; 

The  Lord  make  his  face  to  shine  upon  us  and 

be  gracious  unto  us: 
The  Lord  lift  up  his  countenance  upon  us  and 

give  us  peace.    Amen. 

Bishop  AndreweSf  1555-1626. 


147 


SPECIAL  SERVICES  OF  PRAYER 


IX 
SPECIAL  SERVICES  OF  PRAYER 

For  Social  Need 

LORD  have  mercy  upon  us. 
Christ  have  mercy  upon  us. 

Lord  have  mercy  upon  us. 

Jesus,  born  in  poverty, 

Jesus,  born  to  bring  peace  among  men, 

Jesus,  workman  at  Nazareth, 

Have  mercy  upon  us. 

Jesus,  in  Whom  the  proud  were  scattered  and 

the  mighty  put  down, 
Jesus,  giving  good  things  to  the  hungry, 
Jesus,  exalting  them  of  low  degree. 
Have  mercy  upon  us, 

Jesus,  in  Whom  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  are 

one, 
Jesus,  in  Whom  is  neither  bond  nor  free, 
Jesus,  brother  of  all. 

Have  m,ercy  upon  us, 
Jesus,  preaching  good  tidings  to  the  poor, 
Jesus,  proclaiming  release  to  the  captives, 
Jesus,  setting  at  liberty  them  that  are  bruised. 

Have  mercy  upon  us, 

151 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

Jesus,  friend  of  the  poor, 
Jesus,  feeder  of  the  hungry, 
Jesus,  healer  of  the  sick, 

Have  mercy  upon  us, 

Jesus,  denouncing  the  oppressor, 
Jesus,  instructing  the  simple, 
Jesus,  going  about  to  do  good, 
Have  mercy  upon  us. 

Jesus,  teacher  of  patience, 
Jesus,  pattern  of  gentleness, 

Jesus,  leading  hearts  from  earthly  to  heavenly 
things. 

Have  mercy  upon  us. 

Jesus,  forgiving  them  that  love  much, 
Jesus,  drawing  all  men  unto  Thee, 
Jesus,  calling  them  that  labor   and   are  heavy 
laden. 
Have  mercy  upon  us. 

Jesus,  Who  camest  not  to  be  ministered  unto, 

but  to  minister, 
Jesus,  Who  hadst  not  where  to  lay  Thy  head, 
Jesus,  loved  by  the  common  people. 
Have  mercy  upon  us. 

Jesus,  betrayed  for  the  sake  of  money, 
Jesus,  taken  by  the  chief  priests, 

152 


SPECIAL     SERVICES     OF     PRAYER 

Jesus,  condemned  by  the  rulers, 
Have  mercy  upon  us, 

Jesus,  crucified  for  us, 

Have  mercy  upon  us. 

Jesus,  Who  hast  called  us  to  the  fellowship  of 
thy  Kingdom, 

Jesus,  in  Whom  is  no  respect  of  persons, 

Jesus,  Who  wilt  know  us  by  our  fruits, 
Have  mercy  upon  us, 

Jesus,  Who  wilt  say  to  us  at  the  Last  Day,  "In- 
asmuch as  ye  have  done  it  unto  one  of  the 
least  of  these  my  brethren,  ye  have  done 
it  unto  me," 

Have  mercy  upon  us. 

From  love  of  money. 

From  dishonesty  in  business, 

From  forgetfulness  of  our  duty, 

From  anger  and  malice  against  opponents, 

From  contempt  of  others, 

From  offence  against  thy  little  ones, 

From  oppression  of  the  poor, 

From  the  acceptance  of  worldly  standards. 

From  all  pride. 

From  all  lust. 

From  all  anger, 

Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

153 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

By  Thy  taking  of  our  flesh, 
By  Thy  humble  birth. 
By  Thy  hard  life, 
By  Thy  bitter  death. 

By  Thy  glorious  Resurrection  and  Ascension, 
Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

Finally,  we  beseech  Thee,  0  Lord,  mighty  and 
pitiful,  that  Thou  wilt  guide,  protect,  and 
inspire  all  those  who  learn  and  labor 
truly  to  get  their  own  living. 

For  men  who  face  peril, 

We  beseech  Thee,  good  Lord, 

For  women  who  suffer  pain, 

We  beseech  Thee,  good  Lord, 

For  those  who  till  the  earth, 
For  those  who  tend  machinery, 

We  beseech  Thee,  good  Lord. 

For  those  who  strive  on  the  deep  waters. 
For  those  who  venture  in  far  countries. 
We  beseech  Thee,  good  Lord, 

For  those  who  work  in  offices  and  warehouses. 
For  those  who  labor    at   furnaces    and    in   fac- 
tories, 

We  beseech  Thee,  good  Lord, 


154 


SPECIAL     SERVICES     OF     PRAYER 

For  those  who  toil  in  mines, 
For  those  who  buy  and  sell, 

We  beseech  Thee,  good  Lord, 

For  those  who  keep  house, 
For  those  who  train  children, 

We  beseech  Thee,  good  Lord. 

For  all  who  live  by  strength  of  arm, 
For  all  who  live  by  cunning  of  hand, 
We  beseech  Thee,  good  Lord. 

For  all  who  control,  rule,  or  employ, 
We  beseech  Thee,  good  Lord, 

And  for  all  labor  of  the  heart  and  brain: 

Of  the  leader's  judgment. 

Of  the  manager's  skill, 

Of  the  doctor's  care. 

Of  the  lawyer's  discernment, 

Of  the  civilian's  discretion. 

Of  the  scientist's  knowledge, 

Of  the  scholar's  reason, 

Of  the  writer's  wit, 

Of  the  artist's  power. 

Of  the  teacher's  patience, 

Of  the  pastor's  zeal, 

Of  the  prophet's  fire, 

We  beseech  Thee,  good  Lord, 

155 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

And  for  all  those  who  are  poor,  and  broken,  and 

oppressed : 
For  all  whose  labor  is  without  hope. 
For  all  whose  labor  is  without  honor. 
For  all  whose  labor  is  without  interest. 
For  those  who  have  too  little  leisure. 
For  those  who  are  underpaid. 
For  women  workers, 

For  those  who  work  in  dangerous  trades, 
For  those  who  cannot  find  work. 
For  those  who  will  not  work. 
For  those  who  have  no  home. 
For  prisoners  and  outcasts. 
For  victims  of  lust, 

For  all  who  are  intemperate  or  luxurious. 
For  all  who  are  sick  or  hungry, 

We  beseech  Thee,  good  Lord, 

0  Lamb  of  God  that  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world, 

Have  mercy  upon  us. 

0  Lamb  of  God  that  takest  away  the  sins  of  the 
world, 

Receive  our  prayer. 

Our  Father. 


156 


SPECIAL     SERVICES     OF    PRAYER 

Let  us  pray: 

0  Father  of  light  and  God  of  all  truth,  purge 
the  whole  world  from  all  errors,  abuses,  corrup- 
tions, and  sins.  Beat  down  the  standard  of 
Satan,  and  set  up  everywhere  the  standard  of 
Christ.  Abolish  the  reign  of  sin,  and  establish 
the  kingdom  of  grace  in  all  hearts.  Let  humil- 
ity triumph  over  pride  and  ambition;  charity 
over  hatred,  envy,  and  malice;  purity  and  tem- 
perance over  lust  and  excess;  meekness  over 
passion;  and  disinterest  and  poverty  of  spirit 
over  covetousness  and  the  love  of  this  perishing 
world.  Let  the  Gospel  of  Christ,  in  faith  and 
practice,  prevail  throughout  the  world;  through 
Him  who  liveth  and  reigneth  with  Thee  and  the 
Holy  Ghost,  one  God  world  without  end.  Amen. 
— Percy  Dearmer, 

For  Character 

THROM  infirmity  of  purpose,  from  want  of 
-■-  earnest  care  and  interest,  from  the  sluggish- 
ness of  indolence,  and  the  slackness  of  indiffer- 
ence, and  from  all  spiritual  deadness  of  heart. 
Save  us  and  help  us,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee, 
O  Lord, 
From  dulness  of  conscience,  from  feeble  sense 

157 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

of  duty,  from  thoughtless  disregard  of  others, 
from  a  low  ideal  of  the  obligations  of  our  posi- 
tion, and  from  all  half-heartedness  in  our  work, 
Save  us  and  help  us,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee, 
O  Lord. 

From  weariness  in  continuing  struggles,  from 
despondency  in  disappointment,  and  from  mor- 
bid brooding  over  failure,  raise  us  to  a  lively 
hope  and  trust  in  Thy  presence  and  mercy,  in 
the  power  of  faith  and  prayer,  and  from  all 
exaggerated  fears  and  vexations, 
Save  us  and  help  us,  tve  humbly  beseech  Thee, 
0  Lord, 

From  self-conceit  and  vanity  and  boasting, 
from  delight  in  supposed  success  and  superior- 
ity, and  from  all  the  harms  and  hindrances  of 
offensive  manners  and  self-assertion. 
Save  us  and  help  us,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee, 
0  Lord, 

From  love  of  flattery,  from  over-ready  belief 
in  praise,  from  dislike  of  criticism,  and  from 
all  self-deception, 

Save  us  and  help  us,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee, 
0  Lord, 

From    all    jealousy,    whether    of    equals    or 

158 


SPECIAL     SERVICES     OF     PRAYER 

superiors,   from  grudging  others  success,   from 
impatience  of  submission  and  all  insubordina- 
tion to  law,  order,  and  authority, 
Save  us  and  help  us,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee, 
0  Lord, 

From  all  hasty  utterances  of  impatience,  from 
the  retort  of  irritation  and  the  taunt  of  sarcasm, 
from  all  infirmity  of  temper  in  provoking  or 
being  provoked;  from  love  of  unkind  gossip, 
and  from  all  idle  words  that  may  do  hurt. 
Save  us  and  help  us,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee, 
0  Lord, 

Give  us  knowledge  of  ourselves,  our  powers 
and  weaknesses.  Teach  us  by  Thy  Word,  by  the 
judgments  of  others,  by  examination  of  our- 
selves; give  us  earnest  desire  to  strengthen  our- 
selves continually  by  study,  by  diligence,  by 
prayer  and  meditation,  and  from  all  delusions 
and  prejudices,  individual  or  corporate. 
Save  us  and  help  us,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee, 
O  Lord. 

Chiefly,  0  Lord,  we  pray  Thee  give  us  knowl- 
edge of  Thee,  to  see  Thee  in  all  Thy  works, 
always  to  feel  Thy  presence  near  and  to  hear 
Thy  call.  Uplift  our  hearts  to  new  love,  energy, 
and  devotion,  that  we  may  be  unburdened  from 

159 


th:e    enrichment    of    prayer 

the  grief  and  shame  of  past  faithlessness  and  go 
forth  in  Thy  strength  to  persevere  through  suc- 
cess and  failure,  through  good  report  and  evil 
report,  even  to  the  end;  and  in  all  time  of  our 
tribulation,  in  all  time  of  our  rejoicing, 
Save  us  and  help  us,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee, 
0  Lord, 

Bishop  Ridding  of  India. 

For  a  School 

TT^ROM  worldliness  and  irreverence,  from  con- 
-•-     tempt  and  negligence  of  grace,  and  from  all 
forgetfulness  of  grace  received. 
Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 
From   dishonoring   Thy   holy   Name,   and  Thy 
Word,  Thy  holy  Church,  and  all  holy  Sea- 
sons, 

Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

From  disobedience  and  want  of  regard  to  all 
those  whom  Thou  hast  set  over  us, 
Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

From  malicious  and  revengeful  thoughts,  from 
angry  and  evil  tempers,  and  from  want  of 
love  one  to  another, 

Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

160 


SPECIAL     SERVICES    OF     PRAYER 

From  impurity,  whether  of  mind  or  body,  from 
sensual  indulgence,  in  touch  or  taste,  from 
vanity  in  dress,  and  from  all  consideration 
of  self. 

Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

From  dishonesty,  whether  in  word  or  action, 
Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

From  evil  speaking,  lying,  and  slandering, 
Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

From  seeking  that  we  have  not,  from  striving  to 
seem  better  than  we  are,  and  from  slothful- 
ness  in  the  use  of  that  which  Thou  has 
given. 

Good  Lord,  deliver  us. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  bless  all  the  schools 
for  which  we  are  specially  bound  to  pray, 
We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord, 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  increase  within  them 
a  spirit  of  devotion  in  the  use  of  Thy  holy 
Sacraments,  and  of  all  means  of  grace. 

We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  increase  within  them 
a  careful  diligence  in  the  cultivation  of  in- 
tellect for  Thy  honor  and  glory, 

We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord, 

161 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  grant  unto  all  their 
members,  health  and  holiness  of  body  and 
mind. 

We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  of  Thy  great  mercy  to 
call  many  from  amongst  us  to  the  work  of 
the  sacred  ministry,  and  fit  us  to  correspond 
with  Thy  call. 

We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord, 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  guide  us  by  Thy  holy 
inspiration  in  every  station  of  life  to  which 
Thou  shouldst  be  pleased  to  call  us, 

We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord, 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  bless  and  prosper  the 
work  of  the  colleges  and  universities,  and 
especially  to  give  Thy  holy  angels  charge 
concerning  those  of  our  own  number  who 
are  there. 

We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  bring  us  all,  when 
the  probation  of  life  is  over,  to  the  joy  of 
Thy  Kingdom, 

We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

Intercessory  Manual. 


162 


SPECIAL     SERVICES     OF    PRAYER 

In  Time  of  War 

THAT  it  may  please  Thee  to  give  wisdom, 
guidance,  and  courage  to  our  President  and 
all  his  counselors; 

We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  uphold  and  protect 
those  who  are  in  command  by  land  or  sea; 

We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord, 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  inspire  the  soldiers 
and  sailors  of  our  country  with  courage,  endur- 
ance, and  mercy  whether  in  victory  or  defeat ; 

We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  support  and  com- 
fort all  these  who  suffer;  the  sick,  the  wounded, 
and  the  dying; 

We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  support  and  save 
the  weak,  the  helpless,  and  all  who  are  suffering 
privation ; 

We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord, 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  grant  endurance, 
skill,  and  gentleness  to  all  those  who  have  gone 
forth  to  minister  to  soul  or  body ; 

We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord, 

That  it  may   please  Thee   to   give   spiritual 
163 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

strength  and  forgiveness  in  their  last  hour  to  the 
dying,  and  that  Thou  wouldst  receive  their  souls 
into  Thy  holy  keeping  and  grant  them  a  merciful 
judgment  at  the  last  day; 

We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

That  it  may  please  Thee  to  establish  the  right 
and  speedily  to  restore  a  lasting  peace  to  all  the 
world  on  the  unshakable  foundation  of  right- 
eousness and  brotherhood; 

We  beseech  Thee  to  hear  us,  good  Lord. 

"Public  and  Private  Worship  in  Time  of  War." 


164 


MEDITATIONS  FOR  A  WEEK 


0 


X 

MEDITATIONS  FOR  A  WEEK 
Monday — Purity 

LORD,  Thou  hast  searched  me  and  known 


me. 

Thou  knowest  my  downsitting  and  mine  upris- 
ing; Thou  understandest  my  thought 
afar  off. 

Thou  compassest  my  path  and  my  lying  down, 
and  art  acquainted  with  all  my  ways. 

For  there  is  not  a  word  in  my  tongue,  but  lo,  0 
Lord,  Thou  knowest  it  altogether. 

Psalm  139:1-4. 


I 


F  I  regard  iniquity  in  my  heart,  the  Lord  will 
not  hear  me.  Psalm  66:18. 


HOLY  GOD,  I  would  present  my  body  to 
Thee.  May  I  regard  it  as  the  temple  of 
the  Holy  Ghost!  Help  me  to  revere  the  laws  of 
health  as  the  very  thoughts  and  commands  of 
God.    Amen. — J,  H,  Jowett, 


167 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

NOW,  0  God,  my  Savior,  I  entreat  Thee  sub- 
due mine  iniquities.  Only  Thine  Almighty 
arm  can  vanquish  them.  I  look  to  Thee  for  vic- 
tory. Fight  for  me;  fight  in  me:  that  I  may  be 
more  than  conqueror,  through  Him  that  loved 
me.    Amen. — Edward  Bickersteth,  1786-1850. 

GRANT,  0  Lord,  that  as  we  go  forth  once 
more  to  our  daily  labor  we  may  remember 
the  truths  that  we  learned,  and  may  carry  out 
the  resolutions  we  made  on  Thy  holy  day.  Keep 
us  from  our  besetting  sins,  and  strengthen  us  to 
do  Thy  holy  will,  that  we  may  never  forget 
Whose  we  are  and  Whom  we  serve;  through 
Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — Bishop  Walsham 
How,  1823-1897. 

OGOD,  most  merciful  Father,  Thou  speakest 
through  Thine  only  begotten  Son,  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  saying:  "Ask,  and  it  shall 
be  given  unto  you."  Give  us  now  Thy  Holy 
Spirit,  that  our  hearts  may  be  strengthened  for 
the  work  of  this  week;  through  Jesus  Christ. 
Amen. — Father  John  of  the  Russian  Church, 


168 


MEDITATIONS      FOR      A      WEEK 

LORD,  I  my  vows  to  Thee  renew; 
Scatter  my  sins  as  morning  dew; 
Guard  my  first  springs  of  thought  and  will, 
And  with  Thyself  my  spirit  fill. 

Direct,  control,  suggest,  this  day. 

All  I  design,  or  do,  or  say; 

That  all  my  powers,  with  all  their  might. 

In  Thy  sole  glory  may  unite. 

Bishop  Ken,  1637-1711. 


w 


Tuesday — ^Truthfulness 

HO  can  understand  his  errors? 
Cleanse  Thou  me  from  secret  faults. 

Psalm  19:12. 


TF  we  say  that  we  have  fellowship  with  Him, 
-■-  and  walk  in  darkness,  we  lie,  and  do  not 
the  truth.  But  if  we  walk  in  the  light,  as  He  is 
in  the  light,  we  have  fellowship  one  with  an- 
other, and  the  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  His  Son 
cleanseth  us  from  all  sin. — /  John  1  ;6,7. 

169 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

ALMIGHTY  GOD,  unto  Whom  all  hearts  be 
open,  all  desires  known,  and  from  Whom 
no  secrets  are  hid;  Cleanse  the  thoughts  of  our 
hearts  by  the  inspiration  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit, 
that  we  may  perfectly  love  Thee,  and  worthily 
magnify  Thy  holy  Name;  through  Christ  our 
Lord.  Amen. — Bishop  Leofric,  1050;  "Book  of 
Common  Prayer,^'  1549. 


0  ALMIGHTY  GOD,  grant,  we  beseech  Thee, 
that  we  whose  trust  is  under  the  shadow 
of  Thy  wings,  may,  through  the  help  of  Thy 
power,  overcome  all  evils  that  rise  up  against 
us;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — 
"Roman  Breviary,''  1099. 

ETERNAL  GOD,  who  hast  neither  dawn  nor 
evening,  yet  sendest  us  alternate  mercies 
of  the  darkness  and  the  day;  there  is  no  light 
but  Thine,  without,  within.  As  Thou  liftest  the 
curtain  of  night  from  our  abodes,  take  also  the 
veil  from  all  our  hearts.  Rise  with  Thy  morn- 
ing upon  our  souls:  quicken  all  our  labor  and 
our  prayer:  and  though  all  else  declines,  let  the 
noontide  of  Thy  grace  and  peace  remain.    May 

170 


MEDITATIONS      FOR      A      WEEK 

we  walk,  while  it  is  yet  day,  in  the  steps  of  Him 
who,  with  fewest  hours,  finished  Thy  divinest 
work.     Amen. — James  Martineau,  1805-1900. 


OLORD,  listen  now  to  the  prayer  of  Thy 
servants,  who  desire  to  fear  Thy  Name. 
Prosper  us  this  day  in  our  work.  Help  us  ever 
to  remember  that  Thou  art  a  God  at  hand,  that 
no  secret  place  is  hidden  from  Thee,  but  that 
all  our  thoughts,  and  words,  and  actions,  are 
seen  and  known  to  Thee.  Make  us  truthful  in 
all  our  words,  holy  in  all  our  thoughts,  and 
honest  in  every  act.  Make  Thy  presence  a  hap- 
piness to  us.  Let  us  often  think  of  Thee  as  our 
Father,  and  Friend,  and  our  Helper  in  every 
time  of  need.  Bless  all  who  are  dear  to  us,  and 
teach  them  the  paths  of  goodness  and  truth; 
for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Savior.  Amen. 
— Order  of  the  Holy  Cross. 

IF  I  am  right,  Thy  grace  impart 
Still  in  the  right  to  stay; 
If  I  am  wrong,  oh !  teach  my  heart 
To  find  that  better  way. 

Alexander  Pope,  1688-1744. 
171 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

Wednesday — Duty  and  Guidance 

T^HOU  art  my  rock  and  my  fortress;  there- 
-^       fore  for  Thy  name's  sake  lead  me,  and 
guide  me.  Psalm  31 :3. 

T   WILL  acknowledge  my  sin  unto  Thee;  and 
-■-         mine  unrighteousness  have  I  not  hid. 

I  said,  I  will  confess  my  sins  unto  the  Lord;  and 
so  Thou  forgavest  the  wickedness  of  my 
sin. 

For  this  shall  everyone  that  is  godly  make  his 
prayer  unto  Thee,  in  a  time  when  Thou 
mayest  be  found:  but  in  the  great  water- 
floods  they  shall  not  come  nigh  him. 

Thou  art  a  place  to  hide  me  in,  Thou  shalt  pre- 
serve me  from  trouble:  Thou  shalt  com- 
pass me  about  with  songs  of  deliverance. 

I  will  inform  thee,  and  teach  thee  in  the  way 
wherein  thou  shalt  go;  and  I  will  guide 
thee  with  mine  eye. 

Be  ye  not  like  to  horse  and  mule,  which  have 
no   understanding:   whose   mouths   must 
be  held  with  bit  and  bridle,  lest  they  fall 
upon  thee. 
Psalm  32:5-10  (Prayer  Book  version). 

172 


MEDITATIONS      FOR      A      WEEK 

OGOD,  who  knowest  that  we  are  not  suffi- 
cient of  ourselves  to  think  anything  as  of 
ourselves,  but  that  all  our  sufficiency  is  of  Thee; 
assist  us  with  Thy  grace  in  all  the  work  which 
we  are  to  undertake  this  week.  Direct  us  in  it 
by  Thy  wisdom,  support  us  by  Thy  power,  that 
doing  our  duty  diligently,  we  may  bring  it  to  a 
good  end,  so  that  it  may  be  profitable  to  our 
souls,  and  tend  to  the  greater  glory  of  Thy 
Name;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — 
"Treasury  of  Devotion/'  1872. 


OLORD,  who  hast  reserved  for  each  one  of 
us  a  special  purpose  in  Thy  Kingdom; 
grant  us  prayerfully  and  diligently  to  seek  out 
Thy  Holy  Will  for  ourselves,  that  whether 
abroad  or  at  home,  whether  in  Thy  ministry  or 
ordinary  life,  or  in  whatever  station,  we  may 
serve  Thee  where  we  are  set  and  find  peace  and 
power  in  the  fulfilment  of  Thy  Will.    Amen. 


I  WORSHIP  Thee,  sweet  Will  of  God, 
And  all  Thy  ways  adore; 
And  every  day  I  live  I  seem 

To  love  Thee  more  and  more.  .   .   . 

173 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

When  obstacles  and  trials  seem 

Like  prison-walls  to  be, 
I  do  the  little  I  can  do, 

And  leave  the  rest  to  Thee. 

He  always  wins  who  sides  with  God, 

To  him  no  chance  is  lost; 
God's  will  is  sweetest  to  him  when 

It  triumphs  at  his  cost. 

Frederick  W ,  Faber, 


0 


Thursday — Courage 

NLY  be  strong  and  very  courageous. 

Joshua  1:7. 


w 


ATCH  ye,  stand  fast  in  the  faith,  quit  you 
like  men,  be  strong.  /  Cor.  16:13. 


TEACH  us  to  look,  in  all  our  ends, 
On  Thee  for  Judge,  and  not  our  friends; 
That  we,  with  Thee,  may  walk  uncowed 
By  fear  or  favor  of  the  crowd. 

Rudyard  Kipling, 


174 


MEDITATIONS      FOR      A      WEEK 

OGOD  who  art  the  author  of  peace  and  lov- 
er of  concord,  in  knowledge  of  whom 
standeth  our  eternal  life,  Whose  service  is  per- 
fect freedom;  defend  us,  Thy  humble  servants, 
in  all  assaults  of  our  enemies,  that  we,  surely 
trusting  in  Thy  defence,  may  not  fear  the  power 
of  any  adversaries;  through  the  might  of  Jesus 
Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — '''Gelasian  Sacramen- 
tary,"  494;  ^'Book  of  Common  Prayer" 


GRANT  us,  0  Lord,  such  boldness  in  Thee 
that  we  may  set  our  faces  as  a  flint  and 
not  be  ashamed,  but  contending  valiantly  for 
the  truth  may  out  of  weakness  be  made  strong 
and  conquer  in  Thy  might;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.    Amen. — "The  Priest's  Prayer  Book" 


T  ORD,  I  know  not  what  is  before  me  this 
-■-^  day,  but  Thou  knowest.  I  desire  to  leave 
all  in  Thy  hands,  and  to  place  myself  at  Thy 
disposal.  Do  for  me  as  Thou  seest  best.  Pros- 
per me  in  all  that  I  undertake.  Give  me  good 
success,  if  it  be  Thy  will.  But,  if  Thou  seest 
that  crosses  and  disappointments  are  better  for 

175 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

me,  give  me  grace  to  accept  them  as  from  Thee. 
Enable  me  to  bear  them  meekly  and  cheerfully, 
and  to  say,  Father,  not  my  will,  but  Thine,  be 
done.  O  my  God,  make  me  happy  this  day  in 
Thy  service.  Keep  my  conscience  void  of 
offence.  Let  me  do  nothing,  say  nothing,  desire 
nothing,  which  is  contrary  to  Thy  will.  Give 
me  a  thankful  spirit.  O  for  a  heart  to  praise 
Thee  for  all  that  Thou  hast  given  me,  and  for 
all  Thou  hast  withheld  from  me.  Amen. — 
Ashton  Oxenden,  Bishop  of  Montr mU 

BLESSED  LORD,  Who  wast  tempted  in  all 
things  like  as  we  are,  have  mercy  upon  our 
frailty.  Out  of  weakness  give  us  strength.  Grant 
to  us  Thy  fear,  that  we  may  fear  Thee  only. 
Support  us  in  time  of  temptation.  Embolden  us 
in  the  time  of  danger.  Help  us  to  do  Thy 
work  with  good  courage,  and  to  continue  Thy 
faithful  soldiers  and  servants  unto  our  life's 
end;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — 
Bishop  B.  F,  Westcott,  1825-1901. 


176 


MEDITATIONS      FOR      A      WEEK 

Friday — Service  and  Sacrifice 

YOU  are  aAvare  how  those  who  are  deemed 
rulers  among  the  Gentiles  lord  it  over  them, 
and  their  great  men  make  them  feel  their  author- 
ity; but  it  is  not  to  be  so  among  you.  No,  who- 
ever desires  to  be  great  among  you  must  be  your 
servant;  and  whoever  desires  to  be  first  among 
you  must  be  the  bondslave  of  all.  For  the  Son 
of  Man  also  did  not  come  to  be  waited  on,  but 
to  wait  on  others,  and  to  give  His  life  as  a  re- 
demption-price for  a  multitude  of  people. — 
Mark  10:42-45   (Weymouth  translation). 


T^ORTH  in  Thy  name,  0  Lord,  I  go, 
-*-    My  daily  labor  to  pursue; 
Thee,  only  Thee,  resolved  to  know 
In  all  I  think,  or  speak,  or  do. 

The  task  Thy  wisdom  hath  assigned 

0  let  me  cheerfully  fulfil ; 
In  all  my  works  Thy  presence  find. 

And  prove  Thy  good  and  perfect  Will. 

Charles  Wesley,  1707-1788. 


177 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

OMOST  merciful  Father,  we  confess  that  we 
have  done  little  to  forward  Thy  kingdom 
in  the  world,  and  to  advance  Thy  glory.  We 
would  humble  ourselves  before  Thee  for  our 
past  neglects,  and  seek  for  Thy  forgiveness. 
Pardon  our  shortcomings.  Give  us  greater  zeal 
for  Thy  glory.  Make  us  more  ready  and  more 
diligent  by  our  prayers,  by  our  alms,  and  by 
our  examples,  to  spread  abroad  the  knowledge 
of  Thy  Truth,  and  to  enlarge  the  boundaries  of 
Thy  Kingdom.  May  the  love  of  Christ  con- 
strain us,  and  may  we  do  all  to  Thy  glory; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — Bishop 
Walsham  How,  1823-1897. 


OGOD,  our  heavenly  Father,  in  Whom  we 
live  and  move  and  have  our  being;  have 
mercy  upon  all  who  are  in  poverty  and  dis- 
tress. Be  Thou  their  succor  and  defence,  pro- 
vide them  with  food  and  clothing  sufficient  for 
their  bodily  needs,  and  grant  them  day  by  day 
to  cast  all  their  care  upon  Thee.  Help  us  in 
some  way  to  help  them;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.    Amen. — John  Hunter. 


178 


MEDITATIONS      FOR      A      WEEK 

TEACH  us,  good  Lord,  to  serve  Thee  as  Thou 
deservest;  to  give  and  not  to  count  the  cost; 
to  fight  and  not  to  heed  the  wounds;  to  toil  and 
not  to  seek  for  rest;  to  labor  and  not  to  ask  for 
any  reward,  save  that  of  knowing  that  we  do 
Thy  will ;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. 
— Ignatius  de  Loyola,  1491-1556. 

GO,  labor  on :  spend  and  be  spent, 
Thy  joy  to  do  the  Father's  will; 
It  is  the  way  the  Master  went, 

Should  not  the  servant  tread  it  still? 

Horatius  Bonar, 


M 


Saturday — Loyalty 

Y  meat  is  to  do  the  will  of  Him  that  sent 
me,  and  to  finish  His  work. 

John  4:34. 


THIS  one  thing  I  do  .   .   . 
Phil,  3:13. 


179 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

OLORD,  our  Guide  even  unto  death,  grant 
us,  I  pray  Thee,  grace  to  follow  Thee 
whithersoever  Thou  goest.  In  little  daily  duties 
to  which  Thou  callest  us,  bow  down  our  wills  to 
simple  obedience,  patience  under  pain  or  provo- 
cation, strict  truthfulness  of  word  and  manner, 
humility,  kindness:  in  great  acts  of  duty  or  per- 
fection if  Thou  shouldest  call  us  to  them,  uplift 
us  to  self-sacrifice,  heroic  courage,  laying  down 
of  life  for  Thy  Truth's  sake  or  for  a  brother. 
Amen.~C.  G.  Rossetti,  1830-1904. 

0  FATHER,  Who  in  baptism  didst  make  me 
Thy  child,  I  long  to  grow  to  man's  estate 
and  to  attain  to  the  fulness  of  my  spiritual  sta- 
ture. To  this  end,  0  Father,  I  crave  such  an 
abundance  of  Thy  blessing  as  will  make  me  wise 
and  strong  unto  salvation.  Pour  Thy  Spirit 
upon  me  that  I  may  see  the  vision  of  a  life  lived 
in  the  service  of  Our  Lord.  Grant  me  grace  to 
make  the  fulfilment  of  this  vision  the  end  and 
aim  of  my  existence.  Turn  away  mine  eyes 
from  all  that  may  distract.  Make  me  strong  in 
Thy  strength  and  wise  with  Thy  wisdom.  Grant 
that  I  may  be  loyal  to  Our  Lord  in  time  of  trial 
and  that  I  may  not  turn  my  back  in  the  day  of 

180 


MEDITATIONS      FOR      A      WEEK 

battle.  Let  me  be  with  Thee  in  life  and  be 
Thou  with  me  in  death ;  for  the  sake  of  Thy  Son, 
our  Savior  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. — George 
Wharton  Pepper,^ 

OLORD,  our  God,  refresh  us  with  quiet 
sleep,  when  we  are  wearied  with  the  day's 
labor;  that  being  assisted  with  the  help  which 
our  weakness  needs,  we  may  be  devoted  to  Thee 
both  in  body  and  mind;  through  Jesus  Christ 
our  Lord.    Amen. — Leonine  Sacramentary,  440. 


GRANT,  0  Lord,  that  what  we  have  said  with 
our  lips,  we  may  believe  in  our  hearts  and 
practice  in  our  lives;  and  of  Thy  mercy  keep 
us  faithful  unto  the  end;  for  Christ's  sake. 
Amen,— John  Hunter, 


OLORD  and  Master  of  us  all; 
Whate'er  our  name  or  sign, 
We  own  Thy  sway,  we  hear  Thy  call, 
We  test  our  lives  by  Thine. 

/.  G.  Whittier,  1807-1892. 

^Taken    from    "The    Way,"    by    G.    W.    Pepper,    by    permission    of 
the    publishers,    Longmans,    Green    and    Company. 

181 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 


Sunday — Worship  and  Obedience 

T  LOOK  for  the  Lord;  my  soul  doth  wait  for 
-*■     Him:  in  His  word  is  my  trust. 

My  soul  fleeth  unto  the  Lord :  before  the  morn- 
ing watch,  I  say,  before  the  morning  watch. 
Psalm  130:5,  6  (Prayer  Book  Version). 

WHATSOEVER  we  ask  we  receive  of  Him, 
because  we  keep  His  commandments  and 
do  the  things  that  are  pleasing  in  His  sight. 

I  John  3:22. 

0  ALMIGHTY  GOD,  from  Whom  every  good 
prayer  cometh,  and  Who  pourest  out  on 
all  who  desire  it  the  spirit  of  grace  and  suppli- 
cation; deliver  us,  when  we  draw  nigh  to  Thee, 
from  coldness  of  heart  and  wanderings  of  mind, 
that  with  steadfast  thoughts  and  kindled  affec- 
tions we  may  worship  Thee  in  spirit  and  in 
truth;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.  Amen. — 
William  Bright,  1861, 

GRANT  us,  0  Lord,  to  pass  this  day  in  glad- 
ness  and   peace,    without    stumbling    and 
without  stain;   that,  reaching  the  eventide  vic- 

182 


MEDITATIONS      FOR      A      WEEK 

torious  over  all  temptation,  we  may  praise  Thee, 
the  eternal  God,  who  art  blessed,  and  dost  govern 
all  things,  world  without  end.  Amen. — Mozara- 
bic  Sacramentary  before  A.  D,  700. 


OOUR  God,  we  humbly  beseech  Thee  to 
purify  our  hearts  from  all  vain  and 
worldly  and  sinful  thoughts,  and  so  prepare  our 
souls  to  worship  Thee  this  day  acceptably,  with 
reverence  and  godly  fear.  0  Lord,  set  our  affec- 
tion on  things  above  all  the  day  long,  and  give 
us  grace  to  receive  Thy  Word  which  we  shall 
hear  this  day,  into  honest  and  good  hearts,  and 
bring  forth  fruit  with  patience.  Hear  us,  0  God, 
for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Savior.  Amen. 
— Archbishop  Hamilton,  1511, 

OLORD  GOD  of  our  life,  Who  hast  given  us 
the  rest  of  this  sacred  day,  grant  that  the 
benediction  of  its  restfulness  may  abide  upon  us 
throughout  the  week.  Enable  us  to  carry  the 
influence  of  its  consecration  into  all  that  we  do; 
let  the  praises  of  our  lips  rendered  to  Thee  this 
day  become  praise  in  our  lives.  May  the  power 
of  Thy  love  be  with  us  in  every  duty,  that  by 

183 


THE      ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

pureness,  by  knowledge,  and  by  tenderness  we 
may  glorify  Thee;  through  Jesus  Christ.  Amen. 
— Bishop  W.  Boyd  Carpenter. 

RENEW  my  will  from  day  to  day, 
Blend  it  with  Thine,  and  take  away 
All  that  now  makes  it  hard  to  say. 
Thy  Will  be  done. 

C,  ElliotL  1789-1871. 


184 


BOOKS  OF  DEVOTION 


XI 
BOOKS  OF  DEVOTION 

WITH  the  practice  of  prayer  I  should  ear- 
nestly recommend  the  use  of  some  books 
of  devotion,  like  Jeremy  Taylor's  "Holy  Living 
and  Dying" — some  book  which  will  make  us 
acquainted  with  the  feelings,  and  reflections,  and 
resolutions  of  good  men,  who  have  gone  through 
the  self-same  struggle  with  adversity. — Thomas 
Arnold,  1795-1839. 

The  following  books  are  arranged  in  the  order 
of  their  helpfulness  to  one  of  immature  experi- 
ence in  prayer. 

"With  Christ  in  the  School  of  Prayer,"  Andrew 

Murray. 
"The  Discipline  of  Prayer." 
"The  Meaning  of  Prayer,"  Harry  Emerson  Fos- 

dick. 
**The  Practice  of  the  Presence  of  God,"  Brother 

Lawrence. 
"Letters  to  His  Friends,"  Forbes  Robinson. 
"The  Way,"  George  Wharton  Pepper. 
"Self-training  in  Prayer,"  Alan  H.  McNeile. 
"The  Open  Secret,"  R.  F.  Horton. 

187 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

"The  Still  Hour,"  Austin  Phelps. 

"The  Communion  of  Prayer,"  The  Bishop   of 

Ripon. 
"A  Serious  Call  to  a  Devout  and  Holy  Life," 

William  Law. 

Also  the  following  pamphlets: 
"The  Morning  Watch,"  John  R.  Mott. 
"How  to  Make  Jesus  Christ  Real,"  John  R.  Mott. 
"What  Can  Prayer  Accomplish  Apart  from  the 

Man  Who  Prays?"  E.  L  Bosworth. 
"How  to  Use  the  Morning  Quiet  Time,"  R.  P. 

Wilder. 


188 


PRAYERS  IN  VERSE 


XII 

PRAYERS  IN  VERSE 

OGOD,  our  help  in  ages  past, 
Our  hope  for  years  to  come, 
Our  shelter  from  the  stormy  blast, 
And  our  eternal  home; 

Under  the  shadow  of  Thy  throne 
Thy  saints  have  dwelt  secure; 

Sufficient  is  Thine  arm  alone. 
And  our  defence  is  sure. 

Before  the  hills  in  order  stood, 
Or  earth  received  her  frame. 

From  everlasting  Thou  art  God, 
To  endless  years  the  same. 

A  thousand  ages  in  Thy  sight 

Are  like  an  evening  gone; 
Short  as  the  watch  that  ends  the  night 

Before  the  rising  sun. 

Time,  like  an  ever-rolling  stream. 

Bears  all  its  sons  away; 
They  fly  forgotten,  as  a  dream 

Dies  at  the  opening  day. 

191 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

0  God,  our  help  in  ages  past, 

Our  hope  for  years  to  come. 
Be  Thou  our  guard  while  life  shall  last. 

And  our  eternal  home. 

Isaac  Watts,  1674-1748. 

NOW  that  the  daylight  fills  the  sky, 
We  lift  our  hearts  to  God  on  high, 
That  He,  in  all  we  do  or  say, 
Would  keep  us  free  from  harm  today; 

Would  guard  our  hearts  and  tongues  from  strife. 
From  anger's  din  would  hide  our  life; 
From  all  ill  sights  would  turn  our  eyes; 
Would  close  our  ears  from  vanities; 

Would  keep  our  inmost  conscience  pure; 
Our  souls  from  folly  would  secure; 
Would  hid  us  check  the  pride  of  sense 
With  due  and  holy  abstinence. 

So  we,  when  this  new  day  is  gone, 

And  night  in  turn  is  drawing  on, 

With  conscience  by  the  world  unstained. 

Shall  praise  His  Name  for  victory  gained. 

From  the  Latin  (translated  by  Rev.  John  Mason 
Neale) . 

192 


P    RAYERS  IN  VERSE 

Crusaders'  Hymn 

FAIREST  Lord  Jesus, 
Ruler  of  all  nature, 
0  Thou  of  God  and  man  the  Son; 
Thee  will  I  cherish.  Thee  will  I  honor, 
Thou,  my  soul's  glory,  joy,  and  crown. 

Fair  are  the  meadows. 

Fairer  still  the  woodlands. 

Robed  in  the  blooming  garb  of  spring; 

Jesus  is  fairer,  Jesus  is  purer, 

Who  makes  the  woeful  heart  to  sing. 

Fair  is  the  sunshine. 

Fairer  still  the  moonlight. 

And  fair  the  twinkling,  starry  host; 

Jesus  shines  brighter,  Jesus  shines  purer 

Than  all  the  angels  heaven  can  boast. 

From  the  German. 

DEAR  Master,  in  whose  life  I  see 
All  that  I  would,  but  fail  to  be, 
Let  Thy  clear  light  forever  shine, 
To  shame  and  guide  this  life  of  mine. 

Though  what  I  dream  and  what  I  do 

In  my  poor  days  are  always  two, 

Help  me,  oppressed  by  things  undone, 

0  Thou,  whose  deeds  and  dreams  were  one! 

193 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PR  AVER 

STILL,  still  with  Thee,  when  purple  morning 
breaketh. 
When  the  bird  waketh,  and  the  shadows  flee; 
Fairer  than  morning,  lovelier  than  daylight, 
Dawns  the   sweet  consciousness,   I   am   with 
Thee. 

Alone  with  Thee,  amid  the  mystic  shadows, 
The  solemn  hush  of  nature  newly  born; 

Alone  with  Thee  in  breathless  adoration, 

In  the  calm  dew  and  freshness  of  the  morn. 

When  sinks  the  soul,  subdued  by  toil,  to  slumber. 
Its  closing  eyes  look  up  to  Thee  in  prayer; 

Sweet  the  repose  beneath  Thy  wings  o'ershading, 
But  sweeter  still,  to  wake  and  find  Thee  there. 

So  shall  it  be  at  last,  in  that  bright  morning. 

When  the  soul  waketh,  and  life's  shadows  flee; 
0  in  that  hour,  fairer  than  daylight  dawning, 
Shall  rise  the  glorious  thought — I  am  with 
Thee. 

Harriet  B.  Stowe,  1812-1896. 

TTOLY,  holy,  holy!    Lord  God  Almighty! 
-■--■-  Early  in  the  morning  our  song  shall  rise 

to  Thee; 
Holy,  holy,  holy,  merciful  and  mighty; 
God  in  three  Persons,  blessed  Trinity! 

194 


PRAYERS    IN    VERSE 

Holy,  holy,  holy!  all  the  saints  adore  Thee! 
Casting  down  their  golden  crowns  around  the 
glassy  sea; 
Cherubim   and   seraphim   falling   down   before 
Thee, 
Which  wert  and  art  and  evermore  shalt  be. 

Holy,    holy,    holy!    though    the    darkness    hide 
Thee! 
Though  the  eye  of  sinful  man  Thy  glory  may 
not  see; 
Only  Thou  art  holy;  there  is  none  beside  Thee, 
Perfect  in  power,  in  love  and  purity. 

Holy,  holy,  holy!  Lord  God  Almighty! 

All  Thy  works  shall  praise  Thy  name,  in  earth 
and  sky  and  sea; 
Holy,  holy,  holy,  merciful  and  mighty; 
God  in  three  Persons,  blessed  Trinity! 

Reginald  Heber,  1783-1826. 

NEW  every  morning  is  the  love 
Our  wakening  and  uprising  prove; 
Through  sleep  and  darkness  safely  brought, 
Restored  to  life,  and  power,  and  thought. 

New  mercies,  each  returning  day. 
Hover  around  us  while  we  pray; 

195 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

New  perils  past,  new  sins  forgiven, 

New  thoughts  of  God,  new  hopes  of  heaven. 

Old  friends,  old  scenes,  will  lovelier  be, 
As  more  of  heaven  in  each  we  see; 
Some  softening  gleam  of  love  and  prayer 
Shall  dawn  on  every  cross  and  care. 

The  trivial  round,  the  common  task. 
Will  furnish  all  we  need  to  ask, 
Room  to  deny  ourselves,  a  road 
To  bring  us  daily  nearer  God. 

John  Keble,  1792-1866. 


JUST  as  I  am.  Thine  own  to  be. 
Friend  of  the  young,  who  lovest  me, 
To  consecrate  myself  to  Thee, 
0  Jesus  Christ,  I  come. 

In  the  glad  morning  of  my  day. 
My  life  to  give,  my  vows  to  pay. 
With  no  reserve  and  no  delay. 

With  all  my  heart  I  come. 

I  would  live  ever  in  the  light, 
I  would  work  ever  for  the  right, 
I  would  serve  Thee  with  all  my  might; 
Therefore  to  Thee  I  come. 

196 


PRAYERS     IN     VERSE 

Just  as  I  am,  young,  strong,  and  free. 
To  be  the  best  that  I  can  be. 
For  truth,  and  righteousness,  and  Thee. 
Lord  of  my  life,  I  come. 

M.  A.  Hearn,  1834, 

0  JESUS,  Thou  art  standing 
Outside  the  fast-closed  door. 
In  lowly  patience  waiting 

To  pass  the  threshold  o'er: 
We  bear  the  name  of  Christian, 
His  name  and  sign  we  bear: 
Oh,  shame,  thrice  shame,  upon  us! 
To  keep  Him  standing  there. 

0  Jesus,  Thou  art  knocking; 

And  lo!  that  hand  is  scarred. 
And  thorns  Thy  brow  encircle. 

And  tears  Thy  face  have  marred: 
0  love  that  passeth  knowledge, 

So  patiently  to  wait! 
0  sin  that  hath  no  equal. 

So  fast  to  bar  the  gate! 

0  Jesus,  Thou  art  pleading 

In  accents  meek  and  low, 
"I  died  for  you,  My  children. 

And  will  ye  treat  Me  so?" 

197 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

0  Lord,  with  shame  and  sorrow 
We  open  now  the  door: 

Dear  Savior,  enter,  enter, 
And  leave  us  never  more! 

Bishop  Walsham  How,  1823-1897. 

0  JESUS,  I  have  promised 
To  serve  Thee  to  the  end: 
Be  Thou  forever  near  me, 
My  Master  and  my  Friend; 

1  shall  not  fear  the  battle 
If  Thou  art  by  my  side, 

Nor  wander  from  the  pathway, 
If  Thou  wilt  be  my  Guide. 

0  let  me  feel  Thee  near  me: 
The  world  is  ever  near; 

1  see  the  sights  that  dazzle, 
The  tempting  sounds  I  hear. 

My  foes  are  ever  near  me. 

Around  me  and  within; 
But,  Jesus,  draw  Thou  nearer. 

And  shield  my  soul  from  sin. 

O  let  me  hear  Thee  speaking 

In  accents  clear  and  still, 
Above  the  storms  of  passion. 

The  murmurs  of  self-will. 

198 


PRAYERS  IN  VERSE 

0  speak  to  reassure  me, 

To  hasten  or  control; 
0  speak,  and  make  me  listen, 

Thou  Guardian  of  my  soul. 

0  Jesus,  Thou  hast  promised 

To  all  who  follow  Thee 
That  where  Thou  art  in  glory 

There  shall  Thy  servant  be: 
And,  Jesus,  I  have  promised 

To  serve  Thee  to  the  end; 
0  give  me  grace  to  follow, 

My  Master  and  my  Friend. 

/.  E,  Bode,  1816-1874. 

THROUGH  good  report  and  evil.  Lord, 
Still  guided  by  Thy  faithful  word. 
Our  staff,  our  buckler,  and  our  sword, 
We  follow  Thee. 

In  silence  of  the  lonely  night, 
In  the  full  glow  of  day's  clear  light, 
Through  life's  strange  windings,  dark  or  bright. 
We  follow  Thee. 

Strengthened  by  Thee  we  forward  go, 
'Mid  smile  or  scoff  of  friend  or  foe. 
Through  pain  or  ease,  through  joy  or  woe. 
We  follow  Thee. 
199 


THE      ENRICHMENT      OF      PRAYER 

Great  Master,  point  Thou  out  the  way, 
Nor  suffer  Thou  our  steps  to  stray; 
Then  in  the  path  that  leads  to  day 
We  follow  Thee. 

Thou  hast  passed  on  before  our  face, 
Thy  footsteps  on  the  way  we  trace; 
0  keep  us,  aid  us  by  Thy  grace: 
We  follow  Thee. 

Horatius  Bonar,  1808-1889. 

OLORD  of  heaven  and  earth  and  sea. 
To  Thee  all  praise  and  glory  be! 
How  shall  we  show  our  love  to  Thee, 

Who  givest  all? 
The  golden  sunshine,  vernal  air. 
Sweet  flowers  and  fruit.  Thy  love  declare; 
When  harvests  ripen,  Thou  art  there. 
Who  givest  all. 

For  peaceful  homes  and  healthful  days. 
For  all  the  blessings  earth  displays, 
We  owe  Thee  thankfulness  and  praise, 

Who  givest  all. 
For  souls  redeemed,  for  sins  forgiven. 
For  means  of  grace  and  hopes  of  heaven, 
Father,  what  can  to  Thee  be  given, 

Who  givest  all? 
200 


PRAYERS     IN     VERSE 

We  lose  what  on  ourselves  we  spend, 
We  have,  as  treasure  without  end, 
Whatever,  Lord,  to  Thee  we  lend, 
Who  givest  all. 

To  Thee,  from  whom  we  all  derive 
Our  life,  our  gifts,  our  power  to  give; 
O  may  we  ever  with  Thee  live. 
Who  givest  all! 

Bishop  C.  Wordsworth,  1807-1885. 

The  Battle  Hymn  of  the  Reformation 

A  MIGHTY  Fortress  is  our  God, 
A  Bulwark  never  failing; 
Our  Helper  He,  amid  the  flood 
Of  mortal  ills  prevailing; 
For  still  our  ancient  foe 
Doth  seek  to  work  us  woe; 
His  craft  and  pow'r  are  great 
And,  armed  with  cruel  hate. 
On  earth  is  not  his  equal. 

Did  we  in  our  own  strength  confide, 

Our  striving  would  be  losing; 
Were  not  the  right  Man  on  our  side, 

The  Man  of  God's  own  choosing; 

201 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

Dost  ask  who  that  may  be? 
Christ  Jesus,  it  is  He; 
Lord  Sabaoth  His  name, 
From  age  to  age  the  same. 
And  He  must  win  the  battle. 

And  though  this  world,  with  demons  filled, 

Should  threaten  to  undo  us. 
We  will  not  fear,  for  God  hath  willed 
His  truth  to  triumph  through  us: 
The  prince  of  darkness  grim. 
We  tremble  not  for  him; 
His  rage  we  can  endure, 
For  lo,  his  doom  is  sure. 
One  little  word  shall  fell  him. 

That  word  above  all  earthly  powers, 

No  thanks  to  them,  abideth; 
The  Spirit  and  the  gifts  are  ours 
Through  Him  who  with  us  sideth: 
Let  goods  and  kindred  go, 
This  mortal  life  also; 
The  body  they  may  kill; 
God's  truth  abideth  still. 
His  kingdom  is  forever. 
Martin  Luther,  1483-1546  (translated  by  F.  H. 
Hedge,  1852). 

202 


PRAYERS     IN    VERSE 

Recessional 

GOD  of  our  fathers,  known  of  old. 
Lord  of  our  far-flung  battle-line, 
Beneath  Whose  awful  Hand  we  hold 

Dominion  over  palm  and  pine: 
Lord  God  of  Hosts,  be  with  us  yet. 
Lest  we  forget,  lest  we  forget! 

The  tumult  and  the  shouting  dies; 

The  captains  and  the  kings  depart; 
Still  stands  Thine  ancient  sacrifice. 

An  humble  and  a  contrite  heart: 
Lord  God  of  Hosts,  be  with  us  yet, 
Lest  we  forget,  lest  we  forget! 

Far-called  our  navies  melt  away, 
On  dune  and  headland  sinks  the  fire; 

Lo,  all  our  pomp  of  yesterday 
Is  one  with  Nineveh  and  Tyre! 

Judge  of  the  nations,  spare  us  yet. 

Lest  we  forget,  lest  we  forget! 

If,  drunk  with  sight  of  power,  we  loose 
Wild  tongues  that  have  not  Thee  in  awe, 

Such  boasting  as  the  Gentiles  use. 
Or  lesser  breeds  without  the  law; 

Lord  God  of  Hosts,  be  with  us  yet, 

Lest  we  forget,  lest  we  forget! 

203 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

For  heathen  heart  that  puts  her  trust 

In  reeking  tube  and  iron  shard; 
All  valiant  dust  that  builds  on  dust. 

And  guarding,  calls  not  Thee  to  guard: 
For  frantic  boast  and  foolish  word. 
Thy  mercy  on  Thy  people,  Lord! 

Rudyard  Kipling^,  1865. 

0  JESUS,  strong  and  pure  and  true, 
Before  Thy  feet  we  bow: 
The  grace  of  earlier  years  renew. 
And  lead  us  onward  now. 

The  joyous  life  that  year  by  year 

Within  these  walls  is  stored. 
The  golden  hope,  the  gladsome  cheer, 

We  bring  to  Thee,  0  Lord. 

Our  faith  endow  with  keener  powers. 

With  warmer  glow  our  love. 
And  draw  these  halting  hearts  of  ours 

From  earth  to  heaven  above. 

In  paths  our  bravest  ones  have  trod 

0  make  us  brave  to  go. 
That  we  may  give  our  lives  to  God 

In  serving  man  below. 

204 


PRAYERS     IN     VERSE 

Scorn  we  the  selfish  aim  and  choice, 

And  love's  high  precept  keep, 
*'Rejoice  with  those  that  do  rejoice, 

And  weep  with  them  that  weep." 

So  hence  shall  flow  fresh  strength  and  grace 

As  from  a  full-fed  spring, 
To  make  the  world  a  better  place. 

And  life  a  worthier  thing. 

Bishop  Walsham  How,  1823-1897. 

INTERNAL  FATHER,  strong  to  save, 
■*-^  Whose  arm  doth  bind  the  restless  wave. 
Who  bidd'st  the  mighty  ocean  deep 
Its  own  appointed  limits  keep: 
0  hear  us  when  we  cry  to  Thee 
For  those  in  peril  on  the  sea. 

0  Savior,  whose  almighty  word 
The  winds  and  waves  submissive  heard, 
Who  walkedst  on  the  foaming  deep 
And  calm  amid  its  rage  didst  sleep: 
0  hear  us  when  we  cry  to  Thee 
For  those  in  peril  on  the  sea. 

0  Sacred  Spirit,  who  didst  brood 
Upon  the  chaos  dark  and  rude, 
Who  badd'st  its  angry  tumult  cease, 

205 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 


And  gavest  light  and  life  and  peace: 
0  hear  us  when  we  cry  to  Thee 
For  those  in  peril  on  the  sea. 

0  Trinity  of  love  and  power, 

Our  brethren  shield  in  danger's  hour; 

From  rock  and  tempest,  fire  and  foe, 

Protect  them  wheresoe'er  they  go; 

And  ever  let  there  rise  to  Thee 

Glad  hymns  of  praise  from  land  and  sea. 

William  Whiting,  182S-1878. 

JESUS,  Savior,  pilot  me, 
Over  life's  tempestuous  sea; 
Unknown  waves  before  me  roll, 
Hiding  rock  and  treacherous  shoal; 
Chart  and  compass  came  from  Thee: 
Jesus,  Savior,  pilot  me. 

As  a  mother  stills  her  child. 
Thou  canst  hush  the  ocean  wild; 
Boisterous  waves  obey  Thy  will 
When  Thou  sayst  to  them,  "Be  still!" 
Wondrous  Sovereign  of  the  sea, 
Jesus,  Savior,  pilot  me. 

When  at  last  I  near  the  shore. 
And  the  fearful  breakers  roar 

206 


PRAYERS     IN     VERSE 

Twixt  me  and  the  peaceful  rest, 
Then,  while  leaning  on  Thy  breast. 
May  I  hear  Thee  say  to  me, 
"Fear  not,  I  will  pilot  thee!" 

Edward  Hopper. 

MAY  He  our  actions  deign  to  bless. 
And  loose  the  bonds  of  wickedness; 
From  sudden  falls  our  feet  defend. 
And  guide  us  safely  to  the  end. 

May  faith,  deep  rooted  in  the  soul. 
Subdue  our  flesh,  our  minds  control: 
May  guile  depart,  and  discord  cease, 
And  all  within  be  joy  and  peace. 

0,  hallowed  thus  by  every  day; 
Let  meekness  be  our  morning  ray. 
Our  faith  like  noontide  splendor  glow. 
Our  souls  the  twilight  never  know. 
Translated  from  the  Latin  by  J.  Chandler,  1806- 
1876. 

AWAKE,  my  soul,  stretch  every  nerve, 
And  press  with  vigor  on; 
A  heavenly  race  demands  thy  zeal. 
And  an  immortal  crown. 

207 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

A  crowd  of  witnesses  around 

Holds  thee  in  full  survey; 
Forget  the  steps  already  trod, 

And  onward  urge  thy  way. 

'Tis  God's  all-animating  voice 

That  calls  thee  from  on  high; 
'Tis  His  own  hand  presents  the  prize 

To  thine  aspiring  eye.  .    .   . 

Blest  Savior,  introduced  by  Thee, 

Have  I  my  race  begun; 
And,  crowned  with  victory,  at  Thy  feet 

I'll  lay  my  honors  down. 

Philip  Doddridge,  1702-1751. 

OFT  in  danger,  oft  in  woe, 
Onward,  Christians,  onward  go; 
Fight  the  fight,  maintain  the  strife, 
Strengthened  with  the  bread  of  life. 

Onward,  Christians,  onward  go; 
Join  the  war  and  face  the  foe; 
Will  ye  flee  in  danger's  hour? 
Know  ye  not  your  Captain's  power? 

Let  your  drooping  hearts  be  glad; 
March  in  heavenly  armor  clad; 

208 


PRAYERS    IN    VERS^ 

Fight,  nor  think  the  battle  long. 
Victory  soon  shall  tune  your  song. 

Let  not  sorrow  dim  your  eye; 
Soon  shall  every  tear  be  dry; 
Let  not  fears  your  course  impede, 
Great  your  strength,  if  great  your  need. 

Onward,  then,  in  battle  move; 
More  than  conquerors  ye  shall  prove; 
Though  opposed  by  many  a  foe. 
Christian  soldiers,  onward  go. 
H.  K.  White,  1785-1806,  and  F,  S.  Colquhoun, 
1809-1877. 

FATHER,  hear  the  prayer  we  offer; 
Not  for  ease  that  prayer  shall  be 
But  for  strength  that  we  may  ever 
Live  our  lives  courageously. 

Not  forever  in  green  pastures 

Do  we  ask  our  way  to  be; 
But  the  steep  and  rugged  pathway 

May  we  tread  rejoicingly. 

Not  forever  by  still  waters 

Would  we  idly  rest  and  stay; 
But  would  smite  the  living  fountains 

From  the  rocks  along  our  way. 

209 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

Be  our  Strength  in  hours  of  weakness. 
In  our  wanderings  be  our  Guide; 

Through  endeavor,  failure,  danger, 
Father,  be  Thou  at  our  side. 

L.  M.   Willis. 


HE  leadeth  me!     0  blessed  thought, 
0  words  with  heavenly  comfort  fraught; 
Whate'er  I  do,  where'er  I  be, 
Still  'tis  God's  hand  that  leadeth  me. 

Sometimes  'mid  scenes  of  deepest  gloom, 
Sometimes  where  Eden's  bowers  bloom, 
By  waters  still,  o'er  troubled  sea. 
Still  'tis  God's  hand  that  leadeth  me. 

Lord,  I  would  clasp  Thy  hand  in  mine. 
Nor  ever  murmur  nor  repine; 
Content,  whatever  lot  I  see. 
Since  'tis  my  God  that  leadeth  me. 

And  when  my  task  on  earth  is  done, 
When,  by  Thy  grace,  the  victory's  won. 
E'en  death's  cold  wave  I  will  not  flee, 
Since  God  through  Jordan  leadeth  me. 

/.  H.  Gilmore. 


210 


PRAYERS     IN     VERSE 

LEAD,    kindly    Light,    amid    the    encircling 
gloom. 

Lead  Thou  me  on; 
The  night  is  dark,  and  I  am  far  from  home, 

Lead  Thou  me  on. 
Keep  Thou  my  feet;  I  do  not  ask  to  see 
The  distant  scene;  one  step  enough  for  me. 

I  was  not  ever  thus,  nor  prayed  that  Thou 

Shouldst  lead  me  on; 
I  loved  to  choose  and  see  my  path;  but  now 

Lead  Thou  me  on. 
I  loved  the  garish  day,  and,  spite  of  fears, 
Pride  ruled  my  will:  remember  not  past  years. 

So  long  Thy  power  hath  blessed  me,  sure  it  still 

Will  lead  me  on, 
O'er  moor  and  fen,  o'er  crag  and  torrent  till 

The  night  is  gone; 
And  with  the  morn  those  angel  faces  smile, 
Which  I  have  loved  long  since,  and  lost  awhile.* 
/.  H,  Newman,  1801-1891. 


^  This  is  not — as  is  often  supposed — a  funereal  hymn,  hut  was 
written  by  Newman  at  the  age  of  twenty-three  at  a  time  of  deep 
concern   and    much   prayer  about   his   life    work. 

211 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

I  WORSHIP  Thee,  sweet  Will  of  God! 
And  all  Thy  ways  adore. 
And  every  day  I  live  I  seem 

To  love  Thee  more  and  more.  .   .  . 

When  obstacles  and  trials  seem 

Like  prison-walls  to  be, 
I  do  the  little  I  can  do. 

And  leave  the  rest  to  Thee.  .   .   . 

I  have  no  cares,  0  blessed  Will ! 

For  all  my  cares  are  Thine; 
I  live  in  triumph.  Lord!  for  Thou 

Hast  made  Thy  triumphs  mine.  .   .   . 

He  always  wins  who  sides  with  God, 

To  him  no  chance  is  lost; 
God's  will  is  sweetest  to  him  when 

It  triumphs  at  his  cost. 

Ill  that  He  blesses  is  our  good, 

And  unblest  good  is  ill; 
And  all  is  right  that  seems  most  wrong, 

If  it  be  His  sweet  will. 

Frederick  W.  Faber,  1814-1863. 

THOU  didst  leave  Thy  throne  and  Thy  kingly 
crown 
When  Thou  camest  to  earth  for  me; 

212 


PRAYERS     IN    VERSE 

But  in  Bethlehem's  home  was  there  found  no 
room 

For  Thy  holy  nativity: 
Oh,  come  to  my  heart,  Lord  Jesus, 

There  is  room  in  my  heart  for  Thee. 

Heaven's  arches  rang  when  the  angels  sang. 

Proclaiming  Thy  royal  degree; 
But  of  lowly  birth  didst  Thou  come  to  earth, 

And  in  great  humility: 
Oh,  come  to  my  heart,  Lord  Jesus, 

There  is  room  in  my  heart  for  Thee. 

The  foxes  found  rest,  and  the  birds  their  nest. 

In  the  shade  of  the  forest  tree; 
But  Thy  couch  was  the  sod,  0  Thou  Son  of  God, 

In  the  deserts  of  Galilee. 
Oh,  come  to  my  heart.  Lord  Jesus, 

There  is  room  in  my  heart  for  Thee. 

Thou  camest,  0  Lord,  with  the  living  word 
That  should  set  Thy  people  free; 

But  with  mocking  scorn,   and  with   crown   of 
thorn, 
They  bore  Thee  to  Calvary. 

Oh,  come  to  my  heart,  Lord  Jesus, 
Thy  cross  is  my  only  plea. 


213 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

When  the  heavens  shall  ring,  and  the  angels  sing 

At  Thy  coming  to  victory. 
Let  Thy  voice  call  me  home,  saying,  "Yet  there 
is  room, 
There  is  room  at  My  side  for  thee." 
And  my  heart  shall  rejoice,  Lord  Jesus, 
When  Thou  comest  and  callest  for  me. 

Emily  E,  S.  ElliotL 

JESUS,  the  very  thought  of  Thee 
With  sweetness  fills  my  breast; 
But  sweeter  far  Thy  face  to  see 
And  in  Thy  presence  rest. 

Nor  voice  can  sing,  nor  heart  can  frame, 

Nor  can  the  memory  find 
A  sweeter  sound  than  Thy  blest  name, 

0  Savior  of  mankind! 

0  Hope  of  every  contrite  heart, 

0  Joy  of  all  the  meek, 
To  those  who  ask,  how  kind  Thou  art! 

How  good  to  those  who  seek! 

But  what  to  those  who  find?     Ah,  this 

Nor  tongue,  nor  pen  can  show; 
The  love  of  Jesus,  what  it  is. 

None  but  His  loved  ones  know. 

214 


PRAYERS  IN  VERSE 

Jesus,  our  only  joy  be  Thou, 

As  Thou  our  prize  wilt  be; 
In  Thee  be  all  our  glory  now, 

And  through  eternity. 

Bernard  of  Clairvaux,  1091-1153. 

OUR  blest  Redeemer,  ere  He  breathed 
His  tender,  last  farewell, 
A  Guide,  a  Comforter,  bequeathed 
With  us  to  dwell. 

He  comes,  sweet  influence  to  impart, 

A  gracious,  willing  Guest, 
While  He  can  find  one  humble  heart 

Wherein  to  rest. 

And  His  that  gentle  voice  we  hear, 

Soft  as  the  breath  of  even. 
That  checks  each  fault,  that  calms  each  fear. 

And  speaks  of  heaven. 

And  every  virtue  we  possess, 

And  every  victory  won, 
And  every  thought  of  holiness 

Are  His  alone. 


215 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

Spirit  of  purity  and  grace, 
t     Our  weakness,  pitying,  see: 
O  make  our  hearts  Thy  dwelling-place, 
And  worthier  Thee. 

Harriet  Auher,  1773-1862. 

ROCK  OF  AGES,  cleft  for  me, 
Let  me  hide  myself  in  Thee; 
Let  the  water  and  the  blood. 
From  Thy  riven  side  which  flowed, 
Be  of  sin  the  double  cure; 
Cleanse  me  from  its  guilt  and  power. 

Not  the  labors  of  my  hands 
Can  fulfil  Thy  law's  demands; 
Could  my  zeal  no  respite  know. 
Could  my  tears  forever  flow. 
All  for  sin  could  not  atone; 
Thou  must  save,  and  Thou  alone. 

Nothing  in  my  hand  I  bring; 
Simply  to  Thy  cross  I  cling; 
Naked,  come  to  Thee  for  dress; 
Helpless,  look  to  Thee  for  grace; 
Foul,  I  to  the  Fountain  fly; 
Wash  me,  Savior,  or  I  die! 


216 


PRAYERS  IN  VERSE 

While  I  draw  this  fleeting  breath, 
When  my  eyelids  close  in  death. 
When  I  soar  to  worlds  unknown, 
See  Thee  on  Thy  judgment- throne; 
Rock  of  Ages,  cleft  for  me, 
Let  me  hide  myself  in  Thee. 

A.  M.  Toplady,  1740-1778. 

MY  faith  looks  up  to  Thee, 
Thou  Lamb  of  Calvary, 
Savior  divine! 
Now  hear  me  while  I  pray. 
Take  all  my  guilt  away, 
0  let  me  from  this  day 

Be  wholly  Thine. 

May  Thy  rich  grace  impart 
Strength  to  my  fainting  heart, 

My  zeal  inspire; 
As  Thou  hast  died  for  me, 
0,  may  my  love  to  Thee  / 

Pure,  warm,  and  changeless  be, 

A  living  fire. 

While  life's  dark  maze  I  tread. 
And  griefs  around  me  spread. 
Be  Thou  my  guide; 


217 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

Bid  darkness  turn  to  day, 
Wipe  sorrow's  tears  away, 
Nor  let  me  ever  stray 

From  Thee  aside. 

When  ends  life's  transient  dream. 
When  death's  cold,  sullen  stream 

Shall  o'er  me  roll. 
Blest  Savior,  then,  in  love. 
Fear  and  distrust  remove; 
0,  bear  me  safe  above, 

A  ransomed  soul. 

Ray  Palmer,  1808. 

JESUS,  Thou  Joy  of  loving  hearts. 
Thou  Fount  of  Life,  Thou  Light  of  men. 
From  the  best  bliss  that  earth  imparts 
We  turn  unfilled  to  Thee  again. 

Thy  truth  unchanged  hath  ever  stood; 

Thou  savest  those  that  on  Thee  call; 
To  them  that  seek  Thee,  Thou  art  good, 

To  them  that  find  Thee,  All  in  all! 

We  taste  Thee,  0  Thou  living  Bread, 
And  long  to  feast  upon  Thee  still; 

We  drink  of  Thee,  the  Fountain-head, 
And  thirst  our  souls  from  Thee  to  fill. 

218 


P  RAYERS     IN     VERSE 

Our  restless  spirits  yearn  for  Thee, 
Where'er  our  changeful  lot  is  cast; 

Glad,  when  Thy  gracious  smile  we  see. 
Blest,  when  our  faith  can  hold  Thee  fast. 

0  Jesus,  ever  with  us  stay. 

Make  all  our  moments  calm  and  bright: 
Chase  the  dark  night  of  sin  away, 

Shed  o'er  the  world  Thy  holy  light. 

Bernard  of  Clairvaux,  1091-1153. 

0  MASTER,  let  me  walk  with  Thee 
In  lowly  paths  of  service  free; 
Tell  me  Thy  secret;  help  me  bear 
The  strain  of  toil,  the  fret  of  care. 
Help  me  the  slow  of  heart  to  move 
By  some  clear,  winning  word  of  love; 
Teach  me  the  wayward  feet  to  stay. 
And  guide  them  in  the  homeward  way. 
Teach  me  Thy  patience;  still  with  Thee 
In  closer,  dearer  company. 
In  work  that  keeps  faith  sweet  and  strong. 
In  trust  that  triumphs  over  wrong; 
In  hope  that  sends  a  shining  ray 
Far  down  the  future's  broadening  way; 
In  peace  that  only  Thou  canst  give. 
With  Thee,  0  Master,  let  me  live. 

Washington  Gladden. 
219 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

NOW  the  day  is  over. 
Night  is  drawing  nigh, 
Shadows  of  the  evening 
Steal  across  the  sky. 

Jesus,  give  the  weary 

Calm  and  sweet  repose; 
With  Thy  tenderest  blessing 

May  our  eyelids  close. 

Grant  to  little  children 

Visions  bright  of  Thee; 
Guard  the  sailors  tossing 

On  the  deep,  blue  sea. 

Comfort  every  sufferer 

Watching  late  in  pain; 
Those  who  plan  some  evil 

From  their  sins  restrain. 

Through  the  long  night-watches 

May  Thine  angels  spread 
Their  white  wings  above  me. 

Watching  round  my  bed. 

When  the  morning  wakens. 

Then  may  I  arise 
Pure  and  fresh  and  sinless 
In  Thy  holy  eyes. 

S.  Baring-Gould. 
220 


PRAYERS  IN  VERSE 

AT  even,  ere  the  sun  was  set, 
The  sick,  0  Lord,  around  Thee  lay; 
Oh,  in  what  divers  pains  they  met! 
Oh,  with  what  joy  they  went  away! 

Once  more  'tis  eventide,  and  we 

Oppressed  with  various  ills,  draw  near. 

What  if  Thy  form  we  cannot  see? 
We  know  and  feel  that  Thou  art  here. 

0  Savior  Christ,  our  woes  dispel; 

For  some  are  sick,  and  some  are  sad. 
And  some  have  never  loved  Thee  well. 

And  some  have  lost  the  love  they  had. 

And  none,  0  Lord,  have  perfect  rest. 
For  none  are  wholly  free  from  sin; 

And  they  who  fain  would  serve  Thee  best 
Are  conscious  most  of  wrong  within. 

0  Savior  Christ,  Thou  too  art  Man; 

Thou  hast  been  troubled,  tempted,  tried; 
Thy  kind  but  searching  glance  can  scan 

The  very  wounds  that  shame  would  hide! 

Thy  touch  has  still  its  ancient  power; 

No  word  from  Thee  can  fruitless  fall; 
Hear  in  this  solemn  evening  hour, 
And  in  Thy  mercy  heal  us  all. 

Henry  Twells. 
221 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

OLOVE  that  wilt  not  let  me  go, 
I  rest  my  weary  soul  in  Thee; 
I  give  Thee  back  the  life  I  owe, 
That  in  Thine  ocean  depths  its  flow 
May  richer,  fuller  be. 

0  Light  that  followest  all  my  way, 

I  yield  my  flickering  torch  to  Thee; 
My  heart  restores  its  borrowed  ray. 
That  in  Thy  sunshine's  blaze  its  day 
May  brighter,  fairer  be. 

0  Joy  that  seekest  me  through  pain, 
I  cannot  close  my  heart  to  Thee; 

1  trace  the  rainbow  through  the  rain, 
And  feel  the  promise  is  not  vain 

That  morn  shall  tearless  be. 

0  Cross  that  liftest  up  my  head, 

I  dare  not  ask  to  fly  from  Thee; 

1  lay  in  dust  life's  glory  dead, 

And  from  the  ground  there  blossoms  red 
Life  that  shall  endless  be. 

George  Matheson. 

THROUGH  the  day  Thy  love  has  spared  us; 
Now  we  lay  us  down  to  rest; 
Through  the  silent  watches  guard  us, 

222 


P  RAYERS     IN     VERSE 

Let  no  foe  our  peace  molest: 

Jesus,  Thou  our  Guardian  be. 
Sweet  it  is  to  trust  in  Thee. 

Pilgrims  here  on  earth,  and  strangers. 

Dwelling  in  the  midst  of  foes; 
Us  and  ours  preserve  from  dangers. 
In  Thine  arms  may  we  repose, 

And,  when  life's  brief  day  is  past, 
Rest  with  Thee  in  heaven  at  last. 

T.  Kelly,  1769-1855. 

TT^OR  all   the   saints  who   from   their   labors 
-*-         rest. 

Who  Thee  by  faith  before  the  world  confessed. 
Thy  name,  0  Jesu,  be  forever  blest. 
Alleluia ! 

Thou  wast  their  Rock,  their  Fortress,  and  their 

Might; 
Thou,  Lord,  their   Captain   in  the   well-fought 

fight; 
Thou  in  the  darkness  drear  their  one  true  light. 
Alleluia ! 

O  may  Thy  soldiers,  faithful,  true,  and  bold. 
Fight  as  the  saints  who  nobly  fought  of  old, 
And  win,  with  them,  the  victor's  crown  of  gold. 
Alleluia! 

223 


THE     ENRICHMENT     OF     PRAYER 

0  blest  communion!  fellowship  divine! 
We  feebly  struggle,  they  in  glory  shine; 
Yet  all  are  one  in  Thee,  for  all  are  Thine. 
Alleluia! 


C35 


And  when  the  strife  is  fierce,  the  warfare  long 
Steals  on  the  ear  the  distant  triumph-song, 
And  hearts  are  brave  again,  and  arms  are  strong. 
Alleluia! 

The  golden  evening  brightens  in  the  west; 
Soon,  soon  to  faithful  warriors  cometh  rest; 
Sweet  is  the  calm  of  Paradise  the  blest. 
Alleluia! 

But  lo!  there  breaks  a  yet  more  glorious  day; 
The  saints  triumphant  rise  in  bright  array; 
The  King  of  Glory  passes  on  His  way. 
Alleluia! 

From  earth's  wide  bounds,  from  ocean's  farthest 

coast. 
Through  gates  of  pearl  streams  in  the  countless 

host, 
Singing  to  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost 
Alleluia! 
Bishop  Walsham  How,  1823-1897. 


224 


DATE  DUE 


DEMCO  38-29^ 


il 


026  6627 


